Daily Kos: Why I Teach - Educators Share Their Stories

Daily Kos: Why I Teach - Educators Share Their Stories:

Why I Teach - Educators Share Their Stories

by rss@dailykos.com (teacherken)

is a new endeavor by John Merrow of Learning Matters, who covers education for the News Hour, to highlight teachers.
You can see the entire series here.
So far there have been four post:
Esther Wojcicki of Palo Alto High school
Nancy Gardner, Mooresville (NC) High School
Jessica Hahn, Explore Charter School in NY
and someone who began his post like this:

I chose to teach so I could make a difference. When I came to teaching in my late 40s, America’s schools were already under siege, but I believed then and I believe now that dedicated teachers — if given the necessary support — could provide an exciting and effective learning environment for our young people, better preparing them to pursue their dreams and thereby enrich us all. I also believed that by modeling being a lifelong learner I could empower my students to take control of their own learning as a necessary step toward taking control of their lives.

and who ended his post like this:

Thus, I have reluctantly decided to take a buyout and retire from my current position. I have not totally abandoned the idea of continuing in a classroom — I am exploring options outside of public schools in Maryland, but at my age (soon to be 66) I recognize that many schools may be reluctant to hire me, despite the fact that I do not lack the energy or enthusiasm to continue to be an effective teacher for a number of years.When senior teachers like me depart, their school systems will be able to afford to replace each of us with two brand new teachers. But what is the loss to a school community when the senior teachers are no longer there to provide a sense of continuity in the school community? Who will then mentor the younger teachers, helping them get through the inevitable times of difficulty we all encounter?
I have loved being a teacher. But right now I simply cannot continue on that path.

I invite you to read all of the posts and to offer your comments.The most recent poster?  Kenneth Bernstein, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Greenbelt MD,  aka teacherken.
Peace