It’s True!: I Teach Because I Can’t Do Anything Else!

By Michael Gorman – Welcome to my first posting at November Learning. It is a privilege and honor to be invited  to share with November Learning’s amazing readers and to join a group of engaging bloggers, ones whose works I have read and learned so much from! In my first posting, I would like to share an article I wrote this last year. It is my way of sharing my mission; a journey that embraces technology, transformation, and most of all, serves students.  I dedicate this  posting to a world of great educators who are in a constant quest to promote student centered learning and life long achievement. It includes those I’ve worked with in the past, those I share with every day in my learning community and network with across my school district, state, nation and world, plus those I am still waiting to meet and share with. I can’t forget those amazing educators I have had the privilege of presenting to and learning from at past BLC Conferences. If you have never been to one… it really is an amazing and transformational experience. Hope to see you at BLC 2011! Most of all, I wish for you to enjoy and share this reflection with others, for every moment allows us to continue our learning.  Please take a look at my 21stcenturyedtech Blog and  consider following me on twitter (mjgormans) and we can teach each other! Have a wonderful week! – Mike

It’ True!: I Teach Because I Can’t Do Anything Else!

Ok, so it’s true! I have spent thirty-three years teaching because I cannot do anything else! To be honest this is something I have recently learned, something I did not know when I  presented my very first classroom lesson! I actually  began my undergraduate career in the College of Business with an eye on marketing. In the early stages of my teaching career I became licensed to sell securities with the idea of becoming rich!  Little did I know that because I could only teach, I would find richness beyond monetary wealth! I dedicate this list of reasons to all of those great educators who teach because they cannot do anything else!

My List

I can’t be a banker or work in a financial business because, while I might enjoy counting money and seeing financial growth, I would rather count and measure the success of my students.

I can’t be a doctor or dentist because, while I enjoy seeing people smile as they leave and are healed, I get even more satisfaction if I see a smile when they first sit down.

I can’t be a professional athlete because, while I do enjoy competition, I get even more satisfaction coaching young people to play each game with honor, integrity, and respect.

I can’t be a computer programmer because, while creating new digital applications is exciting, finding ways to integrate technology to inspire real learning is rewarding.

I can’t work in agriculture or landscaping because, while supplying food and natural beauty is appreciated by all, I enjoy planting seeds of life-long learning knowing that it will nourish one’s life.

I can’t work as a cook or chef because, while I appreciate the art in a great meal, I most enjoy finding just the right ingredients that allow for a child’s success.

I can’t work in sales or marketing because even though I have learned from their great people skills, I would rather sell students on their abilities and possibilities.

I can’t be a pilot even though I appreciate them as I travel to new places, as I would rather facilitate young people as they climb in altitude and arrive at new destinations.

I can’t be an artist despite my appreciation for the beauty they bring , as I have found that my art is the ability to inspire and nurture children as they discover their innate abilities.

I can’t be a scientist or inventor because, while am aware of the great advances they bring, I wish to create  innovative learning experiences that always end in success.

I could go on and on! As you can see, I really do appreciate all of the other professions and realize there are so many more I can’t do. After all, as teachers we really are preparing students for what they will do best in the world. Possibly in the future those we teach will not be able to do anything else, because we have assisted them them in becoming the very best at what they do!  As I continue my journey I have expanded my teaching horizon and understand that genuine educators, whether they be teachers, administrators, or educational consultants, continue to teach and inspire others, because they really can’t do anything else.

Thanks for joining me on this exciting journey dedicated to learning in the 21st Century! Writing for November Learning is yet another exciting adventure!  I invite you to read my future postings here at November Learning. You will find that my writing is a  mixture of reflections and classroom practical ideas…  you see I also still teach. After all, I can’t do anything else! – Mike