Why Teach? A Call for Stories to Inspire

by Elisa Kirschhoffer

When people ask what we do, most of us teachers don’t say, “Oh, I work in education” or, “I teach.” Nope. We proudly say, “I’m a teacher.” That little word choice says a lot, doesn’t it? Teaching isn’t just a job. It’s who we are—it’s our identity. I AM a teacher. 

Dr. Lynn McGovern leading the first Convivencia trip to Spain with Merrimack College students in 2009. Elisa Kirschhoffer, far left. Dr. McGovern, first row, fifth from left.

Answering the Call (Literally, If It’s Your Student’s Parent)

I never wanted to be a teacher. Growing up I heard from what felt like every adult friend of my parents, “You should be a teacher!” or, “Elisa, you’d be such a good teacher!” “Have you thought about becoming a teacher??” I hated the business of school before college. I didn’t hate school exactly, I just hated all the social pressure and taking classes that felt useless to me (of course now I know useLESS classes to a teenager are actually useFUL as an adult… math, anyone??). In short, school was NOT my moment. I’ve always loved to learn, but the thought of managing teenagers like me (apathetic and uninterested in anything other than French class or my theater friends in high school) all day long sounded like a nightmare—nevermind the famously low paycheck and the old phrase, “Those who can’t do, teach.”

And then I got to college and was lucky enough to be able to study what I wanted, which included a life-changing Spanish course with Idioma’s own Dr. Lynn McGovern. Dr. McGovern took our class to Spain and after our trip she said to me, “Elisa, you would make such a great teacher. You’re a natural leader.” Coming from this teacher who I admired (and am lucky enough to call a colleague now!), I was finally able to hear what it meant to be a teacher and what teachers really are: effective and impactful leaders. THIS is something I can relate to and identify with. Inspiring others by guiding them to what lights them up (like me with French), and providing support, structure and accountability to help them reach their goals?? Sign me up! Oh, and it turns out I LOVE my high school students (even though some days I don’t like them very much). 

For many of us, teaching isn’t just something we stumbled into. It feels more like a calling. You know, that thing you felt deep inside when you were a kid bossing your stuffed animals or younger siblings around in your pretend classroom. By the time we stepped into a real classroom, it felt like slipping into something we were meant to do—even if it also means slipping into sensible shoes for all that standing. 

It’s Personal, Always Personal

Teaching is one of those things you just can’t turn off. We don’t leave it at the door when the last bell rings (partly because we never have enough time during the day to finish everything we need to do). We’re the ones reorganizing grocery lists into color-coded charts (because, hello, visuals!) or practicing simple conversations in Spanish with a friend’s kid at a birthday party because they told you they were afraid to speak in Spanish class (didn’t plan for this, but here we are).

And let’s be honest, the line between “work” and “life” gets blurrier than a photocopy that’s been through the machine one too many times. How many times have you said, “Ooh, my students would love this” while shopping for something completely unrelated? Or when you spend your weekend worrying about that kid who is facing housing or food insecurity? Compassion doesn’t just turn off when we shut the lights at the end of the day, especially not for a teacher.

Relationships First, Always

Teaching isn’t just about passing on knowledge; it’s about connections. We don’t just teach subjects; we teach human beings. And let’s face it, their stories stick with us longer than the curriculum ever could. (Ask me about the kid who thought “atmosphere” was a fancy word for a fun vibe. He wasn’t wrong.)

The truth is, we care—a lot. Sometimes too much. We’re counselors, cheerleaders, sometimes even taking on roles parents are traditionally responsible for. We feed, we nurture, we listen, we provide, we love. It’s no wonder we’re tired by the end of the day. Teaching takes significant heart, and that’s something no fancy job description or paycheck can capture.

The Hard Stuff (Because It’s Not All Apples and A’s)

Sure, teaching can feel like a calling, but that doesn’t mean it’s always sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes it’s more like hurricanes and red ink pens. Burnout is real, and so is the emotional labor. Balancing the endless expectations (state tests, lesson plans, meetings that could’ve been emails…) can feel like juggling textbooks while riding a unicycle.

But even when we’re exhausted, that teacher identity kicks in. We’re the ones coming up with a new way to introduce a new verb tense at 11 p.m. (because it hit us in the shower) or staying late to make sure that one student gets it. Resilience? We’ve got it in spades (and probably on a motivational poster in our classroom).

Bottom Line? Teaching Is Who We Are

Teaching isn’t something we do; it’s something we live. It’s why we get teary-eyed at graduation or feel a spark of pride when a former student says, “You really made a difference.”

So, the next time someone asks what you do, don’t just say, “I’m a teacher.” Say it with pride—because you’re not just describing your job. You’re sharing a huge part of who you are. 

So why are you a teacher? What are the kind things your students do, the funny things they say, the ridiculous ways they show up? What keeps you coming back to school year after year despite all the negatives of teaching? 

We’re collecting teacher stories to share in a series we’re calling, “Why Teach? Stories to Inspire.” If you’d like to share a story to inspire your colleagues, please use this link. You have the option to stay anonymous, and we’ll let you know when and where your story will be shared. Let’s remind ourselves and inspire a new generation of educators what makes this call to teaching so fulfilling. 

Click below to submit your stories! 👇👇👇