World Teacher’s Day

I loved being a Spanish teacher. I taught in the same school I attended alongside my first teacher of Spanish. In the teacher’s room, there were many of my former childhood teachers there who took me under their wings to help me in my teaching journey. So, not only did they teach me as a young student, they helped me as a colleague. What a blessing for which I am truly grateful!

To ignite the excitement to learn in a student was my favorite part of teaching. To observe that ‘a-ha’ moment when they understood a new concept was my favorite part before watching them become familiar and comfortable with using it. Being an active role model was an awesome responsibility, but one that I adored. I felt as if each and every one of my students were a part of my family and I enjoyed helping them to learn, to grow and to expand their knowledge.

Just as my first Spanish teacher sparked the love of Spain and the Spanish language in me, I hoped to do the same with my students. What I have loved is seeing them now all grown up and using their Spanish in different ways. What absolute joy it brings me to think that perhaps I had a little something to do with it because I always wanted learning the language to be enjoyable. Not a drag by any means, but fun. Like a secret language for them to enjoy.

I recently had a former student ask to join my Linked In network. I don’t use Linked In usually so it came as a surprise to get an email from them. I wish you could have seen the smile that arose from me when I saw who it was and where he’s working – at the school where I first taught him Spanish! Ahhh…the tradition continues…the torch has been passed along to the next generation!

We never know who or how we will impact another person’s life. As teachers in a school or teachers in the world, our intention is to light up another person’s life in a positive way whether it be learning a new skill (or new language), teaching them how to navigate life’s stormy weather or supporting them through tough times, we are there. We are also there when it comes to making a JOYFUL CHANGE in their lives and celebrating their triumphs!

We are all teachers in some way, shape or form. I don’t think what we teach matters as much as how we teach…and what the result is from our teaching…

Happy World Teacher’s Day to all of you!