Keep Your Passion for Teaching Alive

Josephine G. Monares

Why did teachers choose one of the most challenging professions in the world? I bet almost all teachers would say because they have the “passion for t eachi ng.”

The same is true for me. Now that I try to remember, my teachers from elementary and high school have greatly inspired me. Later, I realized I wanted to inspire young people too, the way my teachers inspired me.

This profession is not easy. It has way too many challenges that if you’re not really passionate about it, you’ll quit in no time.

For those of us who entered this profession with our passion, how do we really keep the fire alive?

First, we have to focus on our passion itself and what schools need. For instance, if there are some materials or activities we need for a specific discussion, we have to prepare or do them in order for our students to appreciate the lesson. It’s not really easy especially if that requires financial expense, but it would all be worth it.

Second, we have to make professional development a priority. Once in a while, we have to rekindle our passion for education away from school buildings. This means we have to spend time with our family, friends and all those people who inspire us to continue this profession. As a way to better ourselves, we can also join seminars, lectures and even camps to learn new things about our profession.

Lastly, take a breather and don’t do too much. It’s always better to do things one step at a time because taking on new experiences and opportunities should be energizing, not exhausting. If a commitment becomes overwhelming, we have to find a way to step back or find help from our co-teachers, so we can continue with what we do.

The passion for teaching remains alive in me. I hope with all these reminders, you too can keep the fire for teaching burning.