Teachers play an integral role in the education of students, the future of our world, an important job that is often underappreciated. We asked teachers what inspired them to pursue a career as an educator, and here were their responses:

Ms. Ashley Munzenberger

“Why teaching?

When I was in sixth grade, I was going to be left back because I was failing math class. I was always the type of student who was afraid to ask for help. I was scared of being ridiculed and being called ͞stupid.͟ As a result, my grades slipped and I was on the verge of being left behind. My school’s principal allowed me to have a private tutor during the summer who reported my grades to the school. My math tutor was one of the most amazing and inspirational people I have ever met. She helped me grow as a student. She challenged me and was never condescending. She was always finding new incentives for me to do well. She used to give me a sticker every time I scored well on a challenging topic. As a result, I would always strive to do my best in everything for her. My hard work during the summer paid off; when I returned to school I was allowed to continue and take the next math course. My wonderful tutor taught me new and challenging topics, which prepared me for, and even led me to excel in math class the next school year. I went from the student who was failing in math to the student who ended up at the top of her class, as well as, tutoring others. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I wanted to help struggling students succeed as my tutor had done for me.”

Mrs. Rosanne Mishan

“My sixth grade teacher at Crestview Elementary, Mrs. Martin, was the teacher that inspired my career path. She was kind and concerned for the welfare of all her students, which inspired me to help anyone who needed some extra attention. My goal has always been to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Mr. Steven Groothuis

“My father worked as a defense attorney until his mid-70s, not out of his love for the profession but out of the need to provide for his family.  I did not want to face those same pressures as I approached that age (if I am lucky to make it that long), and teaching afforded that opportunity.

While teaching has its challenges, and I am relatively new to education, I look forward to a long career in the classroom.”