Why teach?

Most of my colleagues teach because they genuinely want to help children gain the knowledge and skills they need to become successful individuals. What thoughts go through a teacher's mind the first day of school? This question will tell you a lot about the teacher, and what kind of a year that teacher's students are about to have.

Some teachers that have been at it for over thirty years may actually be thinking, "If I can just make it through this year..."
A brand new teacher might be thinking, "I hope the kids like me..."
A teacher that probably should have chosen another profession might be thinking, "Hmm, I can already tell which ones are going to be the trouble-makers and the dummies. I think I spotted at least one that might have half a brain."
A caring teacher might think, "What is it these children really need and want from me and this class? How can I do a better job of getting the inner spark of curiosity in these children lit so the learning will be a sought after adventure? How can I let each child know they are important and of great worth to me and to others?"

Starting the school year off with kind thoughts and intentions to make exceptional progress academically, mentally and emotionally will set the standard of your expectations and your purpose as a teacher. The students will instinctively pick up on this and meet and even exceed your expectations. Just think about what will probably happen in some of the other classrooms mentioned. Be true to your purpose and beliefs and your students will win in life and so will you.