Did You Miss It?

What a great week it has been! I hope that you have been enjoying the “What is a R.E.N.E.W.E.D. T.E.A.C.H.E.R.?” series!

Teaching is not for the faint at heart. To remain committed and dedicated to this profession, it takes a tremendous amount of grit, altruism, patience, persistence, passion, and an attitude of life long learning–a growth mindset! I could go on and on with this list about what it takes, but I won’t take up your time doing that. I will say it is worth it, though!

About six years ago, my fourth year teaching, I began to lose my drive and my passion for the field. I was afraid. What would I do if I didn’t teach? I was sad. I am a good teacher, why would someone who cares and advocates for children quit? I was angry. Why am I feeling this way? Why do I want to quit? I don’t want to quit. I am not a quitter. Why am I not receiving the support I need to grow into a better educator and to overcome these thoughts and feelings? I was tired, and I was not growing. My thoughts and my feelings both stifled and confused me.

I knew I was made for this teaching life, but I was beginning to not invest my heart, and simply put, I was really starting not to care. However, I was pretty good at keeping busy and hiding these thoughts and feelings–until I wasn’t. It took a long time to overcome these thoughts and feelings. I had to take action. The meaning behind what it means to be a RenewED Teacher is my way of reviving my heart, refreshing my mind, and renewing my passion for this teacher life.