InClass

We have nothing but heart-eyes for our job.

Here they come: the red balloons, the paper hearts, the candy grams, the oversized teddy bears. School campuses tend to get a little pink, red, and white all over this time of year.

This Valentine’s Day, we’re headed in a different direction. We want to pause to reflect on what makes us fall in love with teaching over and over again.

Focusing on all of the good stuff, we’re cherishing our profession by celebrating the many, small moments of joy that contribute to the magnitude of difference you make. Acknowledge the light bulbs that you’ve turned on. Give yourself the encouragement and praise you would give your students. Touch base with what made you choose to teach — and don’t let anyone or anything steal that shine.

We checked in with a handful of Arizona teachers about what makes them love to teach. See where you find yourself in their responses.

“I love teaching because the kids make me laugh. I love seeing the world through their eyes and discovering it alongside them. They notice the funniest things and often have no filter for what they should or shouldn’t say.”

Jess Ledbetter, NBCT and preschool teacher at Mountain Shadows Elementary in Glendale

“My students are not yet jaded by the world as it is and they give me hope that they can create the world as it should be. They are more authentic, honest, and creative than my peers and me. More importantly, they never tell me something isn’t possible. They ask, ‘How can we get this done?’”

Carla Rivera-Cruz, SEED SPOT teacher at Western School of Science and Technology in Maryvale

“I love teaching! I am able to inspire students, touch their lives, and touch the lives of future generations. Seeing the glow of excitement and learning on students' faces makes everything worth it. I think everyone should be a teacher in some way so they can experience the feeling of accomplishment that only teachers have the privilege to feel.”

Heidi Moya, Future Teachers Academy and English teacher at Mountain Ridge High School in Glendale

“I love teaching because it feels amazing to be a meaningful and impactful part of someone's life. I live for the moments when students share their needs, desires, and wants for life because I am able to help them with a smile, some advice, and a whole lot of love. Teaching to me is my life calling, and even though I'm so new, I know I'm going to be here through all the trials and tribulations that come with the profession.”

Brittany Crouch, math and science teacher at Crockett Elementary in Phoenix

“I love teaching because I feel like I’m helping make the world a better place as I enjoy the relationships that develop in the classroom, and as I see my students get inspired to learn more.”

Jamie Hutchison, science teacher at Sunnyslope High School in Phoenix

“I entered the profession because I had amazing teachers who genuinely cared about me and I wanted to be the same. But the real reason I love teaching is because of those moments in class where one of my students finally grasps a concept or steps out of their comfort zone and is successful. They radiate happiness and pride. Those are the moments I teach for and love to see happen.”

Anna Babler, English teacher at Shadow Ridge High School in Surprise
We’d love to hear from YOU! What makes you fall in love with our profession, over and over?