Do you remember your favorite lesson as a student in school? If not, I’ll bet you can remember the teacher who made you feel like you were the most important person in the room! That teacher who constantly smiled, who talked to you with the utmost respect, who carried on real conversations with YOU that mattered, who LISTENED with full attention when you told her/him the most mundane thing? Yes, that teacher! 

My teaching super hero was not an elementary or high school teacher.  She was a junior college teacher who carried herself with dignity, confidence and style, and she made me feel I could DO everything! Never did I feel she didn’t have time for me, or that what I spoke with her about was not important.  Never did I leave her classroom feeling like things were just too hard, too far out of reach.  She knew the importance of letting someone know their work mattered, and that the work would lead to real tangible goals.  She was also quick to tell you that you wore something she admired, or that you carried yourself like a professional.  Those words were so important to that young mother (me) who needed to hear them!

My “Super Hero” imparted wisdom, caring and guidance that helped me to attain my goal of teaching.  This is my true calling, and through it I have been able to make a difference in young lives.  It isn’t a job for the faint of heart.  There are long hours, heartbreak at times and sadness when I take a moment to think about the disrespect teachers of our nation face daily. In spite of it all,  for me, the joys of being a teacher outweigh any negatives that go with the occupation. 

I am in my 27th year of being a teacher, and have no plans to retire soon because teaching is more exciting than ever.  The icing on the cake is when an occasional visit from a former student occurs, and they tell me I was their favorite teacher because they remember that I LOVED them! Those visits reaffirm my belief that smiling every day and treating students with respect works!

Love is why great teachers teach! It’s why they should teach!  Do I feel like teaching is my Super Power? Absolutely! And Lord willing, I will be able to keep doing it with passion and perseverance.  I think I will know when it’s time to find another life’s passion, but for now I TEACH!

I have so many great teacher-friends, and many of you who follow this blog are teachers.  In celebration of all the Super Heroes who are teachers, I am joining Teachers Pay Teachers in a sale that begins on Wednesday, February 25.  It is a great opportunity for you to purchase resources for 20% OFF, and if you use the code: HEROES, you can get up to 28% OFF.

In order to give you time to think, and decide what you need in the way of resources for the coming months or year, I am extending my sale through Thursday the 26th as well.  I have to really think about what is useful for my students, so I always need another day!  Thank you for being Super Heroes to your students every day.