Why I Still Teach: Rediscovering Joy in the Classroom

There are days when teaching feels like too much. The paperwork. The politics. The pressure. But then, something happens—a breakthrough, a laugh, a moment of connection—and I remember why I’m here.

I still teach because I believe in the power of one relationship to change a life. Because I’ve seen students light up when they’re finally understood. Because I know that showing up consistently matters more than perfection.

Teaching is hard. But it’s holy work.

When I lose sight of that, I go back to the classroom—not the checklist. I look at my students, not the scoreboard. And I rediscover the joy of learning together.

No system can take that from me. That joy, that purpose, is mine to reclaim.