I want to start by saying that I truly love teaching. If you’ve read some of my other writing, you’ll see me discussing the challenges we face as educators or the systemic barriers that impact our work. But the only reason I’m so critical of these issues is because I’m incredibly passionate about educating children. I care deeply, and when things get in the way of doing what’s best for students, it frustrates me.

That said, there are countless reasons why I love this profession. Here are just a few:

1. Kids Say the Darndest Things

I have so many stories of the hilarious things students have said to me, but one that still makes me laugh happened in a Grade 4 class. There was a student who always cracked me up with his matter-of-fact tone. One day, I asked him how his older sister was doing since I had taught her in previous years. He casually replied, “She has puberty.” I froze. Has?! Sure, it was the right
age for that, but his choice of words and the nonchalant way he said it completely caught me off guard. Moments like that are golden.

2. Watching Students Grow Over the Year

It amazes me to see how much kids grow during the school year. Sometimes it’s academic progress, but just as often, it’s social-emotional growth. Watching their confidence build or seeing that light bulb moment when something clicks always fills me with pride.

3. Being Creative

I love the creative process of designing lessons tailored to my students. Putting together a plan, following through, and seeing it come to life in the classroom gives me a real sense of accomplishment. My lessons almost always revolve around art and picture books. I genuinely believe that I can teach almost anything by integrating art or using the right picture book.

4. Picture Books Are My Love Language

Finding a picture book that celebrates diversity, offers a global perspective, or perfectly aligns with a concept I’m teaching makes my heart swell. Once, I was teaching a Grade 3 class, and we had to evacuate to the room next door. I grabbed the book When It’s Six O’clock in San Francisco and started by saying, “I love this book because it takes us around the world.” One student rolled his
eyes and yelled, “Of coooouuurse you do!” Needless to say, I’ve collected a lot of picture books from around the world, and apparently, I talk about them a lot

5. Learning from My Students

There’s so much I don’t know, and I have no problem showing my students that learning is a lifelong process. I think it’s important for them to see that teachers make mistakes and ask questions. Whether it’s about the environment, Mr. Beast, video games, or books, I love learning from their interests and seeing the world through their eyes.

6. Collaborating with Colleagues

I’ve been incredibly fortunate over the last 20+ years to work with some truly amazing teams. Every team I’ve been part of has been collaborative, kind, and creative, with a genuine willingness to brainstorm lessons and ideas together. At every school I’ve worked in, my colleagues have supported one another, celebrated each other’s strengths, and been there to listen—whether it was to
share in moments of joy or to navigate the hard times.

This aspect of teaching is something I would never change. My best work happens when I can collaborate with other incredible educators—the ones with whom you can have honest, judgment-free conversations. I couldn’t do this work without those connections.

One year, the collaboration within my team was so seamless that the students couldn’t even tell us apart in terms of roles. They treated all of us like we were their homeroom teachers and even assumed we were best friends. It was a testament to the trust and unity we had as a team, and it made the experience that much more rewarding.

There are so many joys in being an educator. These are just some of the ones that help me get out of bed and go to work every day. Sometimes it’s hard, but everyday one of these things makes me smile and be truly grateful I am in a profession that I love.