by Alexandra Tooley

Created on: June 02, 2009

The definition of a teacher? I had to write when I saw the title of this article, as this is one of the questions that I was asked at the beginning and at the end of a Masters degree program I took here in Colorado and the answer I have to that question continues to evolve and change over time. When I first started the program, I saw a teachers role as mostly that of educator- we were there to teach children the skills they needed to navigate their worlds. In the beginning I defined those skills mostly as book skills, however, a teacher is also there to teach our children life skills, respect for themselves and others, and also the necessary social skills that enable them to interact appropriately with others. It is a very complex job and I think it is difficult to define in just one term or sentence.

As I progressed through the Masters program for education, I began to see that a teacher had so many roles that it is nearly impossible to define them by just one role. Teachers are role models and leaders. We advocate every day for children and their best interests. We are there to help the children navigate their paths through life and become the unique individuals that we know they can be. We show the children ways to communicate with each other and resolve their differences in the classroom in the best way possible. We teach them to appreciate and love each others differences. A true teacher makes decisions based upon what he or she feels is in the best interest of the child. We have a huge responsibility to do what is best for the child, and know the needs of our children since they are entrusted in our care for such a large part of the day

After I completed the program I had a much greater appreciation for all the work that teachers put into their job on a daily basis. I don't feel that what good teachers do is truly appreciated by society and I am hoping that one day all these teachers will receive the recognition that they dearly deserve. I am currently teaching in Early Childhood Education and have been for the last two years. Although the pay is far from fantastic the work is more than rewarding enough to make up the difference. Their is a certain satisfaction of being able to positively impact a child's life and watching them grow to become loving and responsible members of society. To me there is no greater job in the world and I would not trade it for any other job

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