Why I Teach: Believe In Their Abilities

BELIEVE IN THEIR ABILITIES Maria Rios Castillo, New York City “THEY CAN TAKE THE PATH THAT I CHOSE — THE PATH THAT IS MORE DIFFICULT, BUT ULTIMATELY FAR MORE REWARDING.” There are many reasons why I became a teacher. For a better understanding, I need to go back to...

Why I Teach: It’s My Responsibility

IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY Kia Debnam, Buffalo “I TEACH BECAUSE IT IS MY GIFT AND MY RESPONSIBILITY.” Why do I teach? I teach to empower; to give all children the efficacy to make informed, world changing decisions. I teach to model the capacity to be a figure of...

Why I Teach: Building a Community

BUILDING A COMMUNITY J. Miguel Jiménez, New York City “TEACHING FOR ME IS A HOPE TO FOSTER AND BUILD A COMMUNITY FOR ALL OF MY STUDENTS — BUT ESPECIALLY TO KEEP THE CANDLE BURNING FOR THOSE WHO ARE OUT THERE SEARCHING FOR THEIR TRIBE.” When asked what information he...

Why I Teach: Finding Their Moment

FINDING THEIR MOMENT Mary Gilbert, Rochester “THERE IS THIS THING, THIS FEELING THAT STUDENTS GET WHEN THEY REALIZE THAT THEY ARE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER, GRANDER.” I remember a conversation that I had with one of the vice presidents of a local university. This was...