My decision to stay in the classroom

My decision to stay in the classroom:

I keep running across blog posts and articles where teachers are sharing the stories of why they're leaving the classroom. I completely understand their position- this job is harder than I could have ever imagined.

But.

As a 10 year veteran, here is why I'm getting ready to head back to my 8th grade classroom in August:

If not me, then who?

If I'm not willing to suffer through 5 sets of standards in 10 years, then who will? Who will listen to my students share their hopes and dreams? Who will stand by them when they make big mistakes? Who will rejoice with them when they see their hard work pay off? Who will speak truth into their lives? Who will show them that books are awesome? Who will show them that learning matters?

If not me, then who?

I'm going back. Not because I believe in the standards. Not because I believe in the past, current, or future government program. Not because these new standards are going to make or break our education system.

I'm going back because I love students. I love them more than standards. I love them more than language arts. I love them more than my own free time. I love them more than my own money.

And everyone knows, it's not the standards. It's not the supplies. It's not the curriculum design. Everyone knows it's the teacher.

So, in a few weeks, I'm going back. Back to my classroom. I don't plan on having my life changed by standards or programs or supplies. I plan on investing in the lives of students, so that they will know how much they matter.

Because, if not me, then who?