I decided to become a teacher because I believe that everyone is responsible for contributing to their society in a positive way.  I hope to help children feel heard and important and I hope to show others that children are so incredibly important to our collective future. 

In Strength to Love by Dr. King, he writes, “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.  Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.  Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction.”  (page 53)  This quote has stayed with me because of how powerfully it speaks to the idea of education.  Hatred comes from fear and fear comes from not knowing.  By helping people know each other and the world we share, we become less afraid.  As teachers we have the rare and amazing opportunity to help children learn new ways to be in the world and be with each other.  I decided to become a teacher because I believe in ideas of social change and responsibility and I want to live and work towards those beliefs.

There is a phrase that is often used in Reggio Emilia classrooms.  In Italian it is “niente senza gioia” which translates to “nothing with out joy.”  By pursuing a career that offers me the chance to live by my beliefs, I know I will encounter frustration, burnout and disillusionment but having this phrase is a gem in my pocket, reminding me that no matter what I encounter, children have an incredible capacity for joy.  Children find joy in snow, good snacks, a funny noise, and a tiny bug.  By noticing and acknowledging the joy of the children I will be teaching, I know that I can foster joy within myself.  What it comes down to is that I want to make the world a better place and do so with a heart full of joy.