Sean McComb, high school English teacher and 2014 National Teacher of the Year, describes on the Department of Education blog the negativity he was involved in and surrounded by last year.
"Last year I found myself, and many of my friends, caught up in the tempest surrounding the teaching profession. From viral resignation letters, to magazine covers, to court cases, our vocation seemed to be in everyone’s crosshairs. And for many, those narratives crowded out the joys, the laughs, the hard-fought victories, and the heart-wrenching challenges that give us such a deep love for teaching,” he said.
Also last year, he, a few friends and some partner organizations banded together to rise above the negativity and create a campaign that highlights the joys of the teaching professions.
This year, until Feb. 22, he will push that campaign again.
"This year…teachers-and friends – across the country are invited to join the #LoveTeaching campaign. I’ve used it as an opportunity to share a story about a student who changed my life. A Kentucky English teacher put together a list of twenty reasons she loves her work. What’s your story? Search the hashtag to gain inspiration from others, or just jump on and join in the love,” he said.
"The teachers I admire start their day by thinking how they can do better for students. I urge you to take the opportunity to pause and remember the kids and colleagues, the personal champions and persistent challenges that make us #LoveTeaching.”
Indeed, a quick search of the hashtag returns numerous results of educators sharing why they #LoveTeaching. See below for some examples on how teachers are taking to Twitter to share their joys.
There are so many reasons to #LoveTeaching. As teachers, we must promote the profession.https://amp.twimg.com/v/b58046ba-0be9-4661-b32f-feff3bb468f9
— John King (@JohnKingatED) February 14, 2016
Teaching has taught me that we learn the most when we jump in, take risks, and try new things. #BFC530 #LoveTeaching pic.twitter.com/hJmuLBRiU5
— Melissa Morris Inoa (@mmorriswrite) February 18, 2016
I've learned that a schedule a structure make for a good day, but spontaneity and teachable moments make a day GREAT! #bfc530 #LoveTeaching
— Stacey Lindes (@iruntech) February 18, 2016
I #LoveTeaching because my students are amazing. They make me want to run to work every day. #studentsmatter to me
— Vicki Davis (@coolcatteacher) February 16, 2016
I #loveteaching because I get to work with the next generation of leadership in our country...and the future's bright. #bwoodapgov
— Patrick Kelly (@plkelly27) February 14, 2016
These teachers #LoveTeaching and developing their teacher leadership ideas at #TTLSummit! Thank you for all you do! pic.twitter.com/CAJhqmeOJx
— US Dept of Education (@usedgov) February 13, 2016
The hugs and stories every morning! #LoveTeaching pic.twitter.com/TiBsrVYhzi
— JCES Jaguars (@JCESJaguars) February 12, 2016
Seeing what kids are capable of creating is what makes me #LoveTeaching #teachersleading pic.twitter.com/vn9aMQfjVF
— Gary G. Abud, Jr. (@MR_ABUD) February 11, 2016
Watching kids have fun while learning sink or float is a reason why I love teaching. #hvepride #loveteaching pic.twitter.com/CeJO0YtfRy
— Fabiola Perez (@Fperezprek) February 8, 2016
Article by Nicole Gorman, Education World Contributor
2/18/2016