Recognize Your Effect on Students

Teaching is a tough job. Whenever you wonder if it’s all worth it, think about teachers you had as a student. You will no doubt recall teachers who affected your life in a positive way.

I did the following exercise with my graduate university students, most of who were married with one or more children and their own home. I asked if they remembered the name of the real estate agent they had worked with. Few did. I then asked if they remembered the name of their kindergarten teacher. Almost all did. Never underestimate the lifelong effect you will have on many of your students. By the way – I’ve bought and sold a number of houses, but cannot recall the name of any of the real estate agents I dealt with. I do remember Miss Brennan. She was my kindergarten teacher a long time ago. I can picture her in my mind right now.