Motivation to Teach: Helping one could help thousands
School of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
January 16, 2009
Long Island University, C. W. Post
January 16, 2009
When I was in tenth grade and my friend asked me for help studying for our upcoming chemistry exam, I agreed thinking that I would try to help her, but chances were that we would study for a little and then become distracted and end up just hanging out like fifteen year old girls do.
However, when it came time to study she was very determined to learn and I could tell she really wanted to learn this material, probably because she just did not want a failing grade, but her wanting to learn made me more motivated to help her. She ended up getting an 89 on that chemistry test which was her highest grade. She did not stop thanking me the whole entire year and I would never forget the gratification I got out of helping her pass that chemistry exam, because that feeling was something I knew I wanted to feel everyday.
Since the tenth grade and my decision that I wanted to become a teacher, I have also ponder the many other benefits of teaching besides the self-gratification received of my students passing tests. The most powerful benefit of teaching I believe is being able to help shape and change the lives of young people as they enter society. Now my friend is studying to be a nurse and is doing very well in all of her science classes.
Knowing that because I helped her learn and understand chemistry, that she is able to go on to become a nurse and help many other people whether it’s in an emergency room, operating room, or doctors’ office, it is a very satisfying feeling. Even though I may only have twenty or thirty students each year in my class, it is the opportunity to have a positive effect on their lives, and the positive effects their lives may eventually have on others in turn which motivates me to teach.
However, when it came time to study she was very determined to learn and I could tell she really wanted to learn this material, probably because she just did not want a failing grade, but her wanting to learn made me more motivated to help her. She ended up getting an 89 on that chemistry test which was her highest grade. She did not stop thanking me the whole entire year and I would never forget the gratification I got out of helping her pass that chemistry exam, because that feeling was something I knew I wanted to feel everyday.
Since the tenth grade and my decision that I wanted to become a teacher, I have also ponder the many other benefits of teaching besides the self-gratification received of my students passing tests. The most powerful benefit of teaching I believe is being able to help shape and change the lives of young people as they enter society. Now my friend is studying to be a nurse and is doing very well in all of her science classes.
Knowing that because I helped her learn and understand chemistry, that she is able to go on to become a nurse and help many other people whether it’s in an emergency room, operating room, or doctors’ office, it is a very satisfying feeling. Even though I may only have twenty or thirty students each year in my class, it is the opportunity to have a positive effect on their lives, and the positive effects their lives may eventually have on others in turn which motivates me to teach.
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