Why Do You Teach?

This year, I am finding teachers in need of encouragement.  They often leave home to live in other states and/or travel long distances to teach some very needy children.  I hope these words encourage their hearts... Really, it is true for all teachers. 

Why Do You Teach?

I am not sure why you do this job

You make such little pay.

You have to teach so many children

And travel far each day.

It certainly can’t feel worth it

When students don’t seem to understand -

When they haven’t done their homework

And nothing goes as planned.

Most parents never help them

Those kids are the most frustrating kind

They have no shoes, wear dirty clothes,

And they never seem to mind.

But I am guessing just like me

Those aren’t the reasons that you teach.

I am guessing that you dreamed

Of the lives that you would reach.

I am guessing you felt called  here

He only asks the best

To lead and guide his children -

You must have been up for the test.

So when I watch you teach

I want you to know what I see

Sometimes you need to be reminded

By an outsider like me.

 

I see children

Each with a story to tell.

Some already have it difficult,

Life may not have started well.

Sometimes it’s the ones

That seem the hardest to teach

Who are the ones

We most need to reach.

For when they come to school

They have the chance to learn something new,

Not just reading and arithmetic

But that they’re valued too.

 

I see teachers

With lessons they must teach

And every word that they speak

Affects the lives they’re sent to reach.

Little eyes are always watching.

Little hearts sense your love.

The way that you conduct yourself

Is the first example of your compassion and love.

I see hope!

As hopeless as it once seemed -

With an education anything is possible

And kids can dream any dream.

Each child is different.

You teach and they will grow.

Some will struggle but don’t give up,

Who knows how far they’ll go.

  

Of course some days are difficult

And you wonder what you're doing here.

But nothing is impossible

And God is always near.

Just meditate on His word

He has called you to this place

And what once seemed impossible

You will find you are able to face.

I am privileged to share the title of “teacher” with so many amazing people who educate children.