Passion for Education

A novice teacher asked me recently, “How do you stay positive toward students every single day? You are energetic (for your age!) and clearly children are happy to see you, too.” I appreciated his observation. My answer was rather simple: “I love being around the children, and they energize me.” And I think kids get that. They can tell which teachers are happy and excited to work with them and which teachers aren’t. In our further discussion, I shared the following "tips" or "insights" which have positively impacted me.

One, every morning, as I wake up and get dressed for work, I look at myself in the mirror and tell myself, “I am a capable principal. I am a good teacher. God has given me an opportunity to serve the children today. I will do everything I can to do my part.” This gets me out of the groggy, don’t-want-to-go-to-work mode.

Two, when I drive to work, I listen to encouraging sermons or music which prepares me to commit the day unto Him. Such messages and songs are readily available through radios and apps. The time in the vehicle is like a “coach's talk” and “private worship” for my spirit and mind. I am prodded to have the right perspective and attitude. It also reminds me to do what I can and accept what I cannot change.

Three, I remind myself that today is a day that will never come back again. What that means is that each day has to be an important day, a significant day, a meaningful day of learning and growing for students. I am convinced that each teacher must acknowledge this daunting reality in order to make their time with children effective and impactful.

Four, I ask myself, “What If today was the last day of my interaction with children?” This isn’t being overly dramatic. In a sense, a teacher's time with students will come to closure sooner or later. I didn’t have this perspective when I was younger. But, now that I've spent over 30 years in the field of education, I can see the curtain slowly coming down. That’s why I have a heightened interest in making the most of each day. If this were the last year of my career as an educator, if this were the last month of serving students, if this were the last day to see their twinkling eyes and innocent faces, then I must give my very best today.

Finally, I have an obligation to serve God who has called me as an educator. If He is the one who gave me this “lot,” then I have the responsibility to please the Master, my Big Boss. This sense of stewardship and servanthood gives me a “holy duty” and passion to give 100% every day. Especially for Christian teachers, the commitment to excellence is captured in the Hebrews National hotdog commercial: “We answer to a higher authority.”

I am thankful to mentors who modeled their journey before me so that I can have the proper mindset. And, now that I am well into the 4th quarter of my ministry, I actively share what I’ve learned with those who are starting their teaching journey or may have lost focus or direction over the years.

My journey of starting a Christian school smack-dab in the middle of Koreatown in Los Angeles has been unique, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. Others will most likely walk a different path. Nonetheless, the life of an educator/teacher is satisfying beyond words and expressions.

If you are considering going into teaching or are new to teaching, I hope and pray that you will find passionate mentors who will model the right attitude and approach toward the vocation. Once that is firmly established within you, you will feel the pep in your step and find the energy to take on a myriad of responsibilities. Plus, you will go to bed each night knowing you’ve made a difference. Not many people are blessed with that thought as regularly as we educators are. That's pretty awesome, don't you think?