Public school teachers talk about their love of teaching

The CNMI Public School System educators are overjoyed and grateful for the thank you notes and special treats from the students and school personnel. They are continually celebrated and appreciated for the many roles they play as a teacher, counselor, parent, mentor, friend, nurse, leader, coach, and advisor. PSS teachers, teacher aides, and instructors come to school everyday with their focus on the “Students First” initiative by empowering, building character education, and molding young minds of students to ensure that they perform at their maximum capacity. The following are teachers’ responses on what inspires them to be in the teaching profession:

W[I]hat I love about teaching is being able to make a significant and positive difference in the lives and overall development of my students. I love their enthusiasm to learn and their desire to succeed. I love to support my students in realizing characteristics that help make them become responsible, respectful, and successful individuals. Teaching is not just about reading a new story or modeling how to use the multiplication table, it is more about giving my ALL to ensure that my students thrive and understand how to realistically live in this diverse world of ours! [/I] —Derwin Johnson, 3rd Grade teacher, GES

[I]I like being a teacher because I want to mold, shape, and inspire our young people and bring the best out of each unique individual. I enjoy the special moment with every young person the minute the light glows in their eyes and they are all excited about the new discover at any given day. Teaching helps me assess myself at times and remind me that “life not spent in service of others is life not worth living.” [/I] —Felisa Brel (Mama Brel), LMA teacher, HJHS

[I]I like being a teacher because I can make a difference in the lives of students, not as a babysitter but as professional who is dedicated to teaching skills and concepts that students would probably not acquire on their own. Another reason is that I can teach the students and I can find ways to motivate even those without the interest or maturity to understand the benefit of learning. [/I] —Yeldez Javier, computer teacher, HJHS

[I]Being a returning veteran of the war in Iraq, the last place I pictured myself was in a classroom teaching. However, after joining the Troops-To-Teachers Program I quickly realized just how important the role of a teacher is in the lives of our local youth. Having recently just completed my student teaching at Hopwood Jr. High School, I realize now more than ever just how much we mean to our students. I grew so attached to my 8th grade class that it truly was hard to leave. Seeing the tears in their eyes on my last day and reading the touching letters they wrote me helped to reinforce the fact teaching has so little to do with monetary compensation and so much more to do with preparing our students to be responsible adults who will lead our island to a positive future. It is a hard job, but with hard work and dedication we truly can make a positive difference in the lives of our students. [/I] —Fred Camacho, Troops-To-Teachers Program

[I]Education is full of equal amounts of happiness and sorrow. This is because the joy in teaching comes from the few small and quiet moments while the struggles can consume endless hours. Nonetheless, a teacher knows that a single success can ease the sting of twenty failures and a single, heartfelt smile of gratitude can make the whole day brighter. The relationships some teachers build with students come close to that of parent and child and can be filled with just as much laughter, love, and concern. Teachers desire to build a legacy and to leave their mark on the next generation. Although the goodbyes we say at the end of the year bring some sadness, we are content to have made a difference in some way. It is these fleeting, yet rewarding moments that keep a teacher coming back day after day. [/I] —Natalie Hill, Social Studies teacher, HJHS

[I]I am inspired to be a teacher because I enjoy teaching young people that want to learn in a dynamic environment. Being literate is not only a required skill in life, but it is also fun learning about the World through literature and writings from the great minds of history….I like teaching concepts/content and watching these kids grow into adults that have acquired CONFIDENCE and specific knowledge that will help them through college and everyday life. [/I] —Courtney L. Zietzke, MHS

[I]Seeing and being part of my students’ intellectual, social, and character growth is the greatest inspiration for me to be a teacher. Knowing that my students are developing a passion for math, realizing the importance of math, and applying the concepts of math in the real world makes me feel like I have accomplished my goal of being a math teacher and encourages me to stay in this profession for years to come.[/I] —Lyvonn Taisacan, 9th grade, pre-Algebra, MHS

[I]My decision to become a teacher was greatly influenced by the need for more teachers at the school where I was working as a secretary. Students’ learning were disrupted due to lack of teachers. Each day without a teacher in the classroom students were being denied the education they deserve. I believed I could make an impact by being part of the solution. I knew it would not be an easy task, but with determination and hard work I knew I was able to accomplish my goals for the sake of our students. It also made me more compassionate to other people’s needs, especially our children, rather than attending to my own personal needs. I felt that teaching will allow me to share the knowledge and the experiences. I have gained over the years to my students who I hope will continue to carry on in their lives for the betterment of our society as a whole.[/I] —Barbara Macduff, SVES

[I]No love is greater in this world that in the love for a child. It is this love that fuels my passion to teach. I believe teaching is a special calling of individuals who have the heart to care and to make a difference in children’s lives. Shaping the future of our loved ones – brothers and sisters, recognizing the inner being of each, and furthering the potential of all, is what I am about. Teaching is my unwavering faith in God. Every person, thus, every child is a special gift who is to be celebrated and shared. My gift is an innate conviction to reach out to share to others and help as needed. I am very grateful to be given that opportunity in the teaching profession. [/I] —Carmen R. Agulto, 3rd Grade teacher, SVES