Growing up, my dad sometimes played a little game with us. He would predict how old we would be when we got married, how many kids we would have, what our careers would be, etc. I even saw him do this with some of my friends. The scary thing was he was right most of the time. I remember he told me that I would become a teacher. That idea did not appeal to me at all.
My dad taught high school for 38 years in the same classroom. Growing up, I saw a little of what he did as I took classes from him and hung out with him after school. Some of what he did looked fun, but other things looked really challenging. So, I put my efforts into a more palatable career: performing arts. However, it was not long before the gentle but insistent tentacles of education sought me out. I discovered that I not only liked teaching, but it was my professional calling! I also realized I would never have a more incredible or well-deserving audience than a class full of children. My dad had been right all along
Some people know from the very beginning that education is their professional calling. On the other hand, some of us have a different story. We might hide, try other things, or even run away, but eventually, we face this remarkable possibility. You see, it takes a lot of courage to become an educator.
Perhaps you have thought about it, maybe even dreamed about it. Maybe you have shared that dream with others, or maybe you are holding it close to your heart because you don’t want to hear things like: “That’s a really hard job.” or, “Teachers don’t make much money.” or my favorite, “But then you will have to work with those kids!”
May I offer another perspective?
Yes, it is a really hard job, but it’s also the most important job in the world! Yes, the whole wide world! There are demands and sometimes long hours, but there are also crayon drawings of you holding a student’s hand with lopsided hearts, getting to be a part of a student succeeding at something they never thought they could, and incredible relationships that will change you forever.
Yes, traditionally, teachers have been paid less than other professionals, but that has started to change. Today, new teachers are making more than double what I did just ten years ago. Still, some can’t fathom parting with the money they could make in another profession, but I can’t fathom doing something that does not have such a remarkable impact.
Yes, you will have to work with kids. And you know what? That’s the best part! You will be the person on the front lines who sees the best in them. You will be the person who truly believes in them, and that belief will help them grow and become more than they ever could without you. Frederick Douglass said, “Education means emancipation. It means light and liberty. It means the uplifting of the soul of man into the glorious light of truth, the light by which men can only be made free.” YOU can be that light and liberty for students. Yes, you!
There wasn’t a gold watch, fanfare, or brass band when my dad retired. However, he received something far more significant. During his last week of school, I discovered his legacy of 38 years was not being honored. It was then that I was inspired with an idea. I sent messages out to my high school friends through social media. I told them that my dad was retiring and asked if they would mind sending him a message of congratulations and spreading the word. That’s all it took, one – little – nudge. Messages began to pour in from all over the world and from people I did not even know. For weeks, past students shared pictures, memories, inside jokes, and thoughts of how Mr. Scott, my dad, changed their lives.
With permission, I share a few of those posts below.
“Mr. Scott: I will never forget yelling frantically about society’s idea of “normal,” developing an attitude about taxes, and hearing you say, “Nope, not quite good enough yet.” So I kept trying. The reward was having my favorite high school teacher calling out my name when announcing the awards after our drama meet and saying, “First place for Mono Act…..” You pushed me to be better than I ever thought possible, and it paid off. You had a positive effect on me, and it has spilled over onto my kids. They love performing. Thank you, for all you have done for so many!” – Lupe Cruz
“Mr. Scott: It was so wonderful to run into you at Costco recently. I want you to know what an integral part you played in my life; you helped me become who I am today. I am always telling my kids stories about you. Thank you for taking me under your wing; because of that, I have had some amazing opportunities. Not only did you make learning fun and memorable, but we all knew you would be there for us if we needed anything!” – Kimberly Guymon Grimes
“Mr. Scott: I just wanted to tell you what an impression you made on my life. I have you to thank for much of what has made me successful. I own a media production company now. I don’t think I’d be doing ANY of those things if you hadn’t been a part of my life. You taught me the value of punctuality, honesty, humor, and humility. You taught me to believe in myself and to trust my instincts. You taught me the joy of a well-timed Pepsi break. I hope you know how many lives you have affected. Thank you for everything. Love you!” – Lindsay Higbee
“Carbon County needs more teachers like you, Mr. Scott. Teachers who are dedicated, passionate, and invested in their kids. The things we learned about ourselves, the deep connections we made with other students, and the things we learned about art and theater were life lessons that wouldn’t fade away with time. You literally took small-town kids and showed them the world. Do not underestimate the ripple effect you have had. I, for one, can say my 2-year-old receives highly dramatic bedtime stories every night. Congratulations on 38 years of controlled chaos…I mean…teaching!!” – Belinda Bunnell Thayn
“There are not enough words to express the influence Rodney Scott had on me. I had my daughter, Caitlin, in 1986 while a senior. Mr. Scott ensured I had plenty of reasons to stay in school and succeed in following my dreams. Rodney, your asking me to sub for your class was a deciding factor in my becoming a teacher. You sitting me down to “help” you write “I Hear You See Me” helped me become a writer, and your belief in “the pregnant, unwed, teenage mother” helped me become a better parent and citizen. Thanks to you, in a lot of ways, Caitlin is now 26, with her own college degree, and beginning a career for herself that she loves. Thanks to you, I graduated high school, went on to college, and eventually moved & settled in Ohio with a wonderful family and life I love & appreciate deeply.
I’ve thought about how much of my whole life I owe to the great teacher you are. I’ve also thought about my own students and how much I believe I can be a difference in their lives because you were the difference in mine.” – Laurel Gilbert
Whether you seek out a career in education or it seeks you out, the fact of the matter is – The World Needs Good Teachers! And you, yes you, can be one of them. It’s not a career for the faint of heart, nor will you become a billionaire, but what you gain is far more valuable.
Want to be an ordinary person who does extraordinary things? Be a teacher. Want to change the world by changing hearts and minds? Be a teacher. Want to know what it’s like to be adored and appreciated by many? Be a teacher. Want to create a legacy that can never be erased? Be a teacher. Want to make a real difference for real people? BE – A – TEACHER!
Emily Willson is an “all-in” educator who believes in the power of positive relationships and belonging. She has been an administrator for six years and considers it her professional calling. She lives with her husband and children in Tooele County, Utah.
