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Why I am a Teacher


I teach students
I care about the whole student
I want to know what your story is today

I teach readers
I want to know what book you're reading,
and what you think about it and how you found it
I don't care what your lexile number is

I teach writers
I want to hear your story
I want you to be messy and creative
and I want you to take risks
I don't care if you get all of your
commas in the right place

This is why I am a teacher
It's not because of a five paragraph essay
It's not because I care what level you are
I don't teach numbers
I teach students!

 Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers for this amazing platform to write and share writing! What a wonderful community you've created! I'm honored to be part of it. Join us at Two Writing Teachers.

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Comments

  1. DogtraxMarch 25, 2017 at 5:23 AM

    "I want to know your story" is the perfect tagline for teachers everywhere. (I hope)
    Kevin

    ReplyDelete
  2. LoraleeMarch 25, 2017 at 6:13 AM

    What a heart-felt message! Your students must blossom so much with you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMarch 25, 2017 at 6:13 AM

    I want to know your whole story 💕

    ReplyDelete
  4. Molly HoganMarch 25, 2017 at 6:32 AM

    This is why I read your blog...love it!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Amy WarntzMarch 25, 2017 at 6:58 AM

    Your readers and writers are blessed to have such a caring teacher!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Diane AndersonMarch 25, 2017 at 8:38 AM

    This is teaching...this is the heart of it that all the rule-makers and budgeters (I know, not a word, but you know what I mean) need to understand

    ReplyDelete
  7. SallyMarch 25, 2017 at 8:49 AM

    The last photo is the perfect ending!! You are the teacher I would want my kids to have. Your students are so lucky!

    ReplyDelete
  8. drferreriblogspot.comMarch 25, 2017 at 9:42 AM

    You said it in each stanza to your students....I care about you...I am sure they knowthat each and every one. I too am inspired by you.

    ReplyDelete
  9. BKMarch 25, 2017 at 9:55 AM

    Totally agree... that's why I teach teachers... to get them connected to themselves and their kids through
    writing
    Bonnie

    ReplyDelete
  10. AmandaIMarch 25, 2017 at 11:17 AM

    Great poem. I love the part about not teaching numbers; this is so important as the push for data becomes stronger and stronger. Thanks for sharing!

    PS- Did you use an app to create the first two images? I'm not supposed to have pics of student faces and love the idea of having a cartoon or watercolor images to add to our classroom blog!

    - Amanda at https://teachingwanderlust.com/

    ReplyDelete
  11. Carrie GelsonMarch 25, 2017 at 11:29 AM

    Really inspiring and heartfelt! Thanks for sharing all of this.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Linda BMarch 25, 2017 at 2:57 PM

    I saw that "26th" link too! Love that you've put this into words, just right to imagine the ins and outs of each line, full of passion, right?

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousMarch 25, 2017 at 6:55 PM

    What a great reminder! Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  14. Krista SchmidtMarch 25, 2017 at 8:23 PM

    This is such a great reminder for each of us.

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousMarch 25, 2017 at 10:27 PM

    Love this post Michelle! Yes, who cares about 5 paragraph essays and commas...it's those amazing little humans that matter most. Amazing yet simple reminder for all of us.

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousMarch 25, 2017 at 10:28 PM

    Love this post Michelle! Yes, who cares about 5 paragraph essays and commas...it's those amazing little humans that matter most. Amazing yet simple reminder for all of us.

    ReplyDelete

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