Teaching in Aggieland: Why I am a Teacher

Sphere: Related Content A couple weeks ago, I was bitching with some colleagues about our students. We were swapping stories about student complaints (“quit making us write two page essays, it’s like this is an english class!”) rude emails (“hey wat is on our quiz tomorrow? Get back to me ASAP”) and lack of motivation (“Can’t you just post the notes later so we don’t have to take them in class?”). Another, more seasoned colleague overheard us and remarked: “You know what the worst thing about the bad students is? They make you forget about all the good ones.” His words have been circling in my thoughts each day since then.

So here are some moments from teaching that make me smile:

-A student recently reflected in a short essay: “I used to think that women weren’t good at being leaders because they’re too emotional. But then we did those activities in class about stereotypes and what you were saying made sense. Women can lead and delegate, just like men.”

- A few years ago, a student remarked: “Your class made me switch my major!” A year ago, that same student had me write a letter of reccomendation for his graduate school application, in my field.

-Last year, I received an email from a student regarding some bullying in the classroom. Even though she had been nothing but respectful of me during the semester, she apologized on behalf of her peers. She said the way I was being treated was unfair, and that she had been victim to sexist remarks throughout the semester. She said until she saw the way I reacted to the situation, she never felt like she could stand up for herself. She said she realized that things really are different for women, and she wasn’t going to take it anymore.

Some days I think teaching isn’t all it’s cracked up to be; on those days, I remind myself why I am a teacher.

I am a teacher because I love helping people see how theory can inform life, and vice-versa.

I am a teacher because so many people in the world don’t ever get the chance to enter a classroom.

I am a teacher because people should be taught to ask questions as soon and often as possible.

I am teacher because Ms. Herrick made me think about poverty, and Mr. Rhodes made me love writing, and Dr. Rutledge made me stand up in class and argue for what I believed.

I am teacher because I don’t know everything, but each day is a chance to learn.

I am a teacher because I still think that revolutions start in classrooms.

*Note: Ms. Litia is a pseudonym. It stands for liberal-teaching-in-aggieland. Mostly because I want to be honest and I don’t want to lose my job.