The dreaded WHY

Teaching is hard. Whether it’s juggling lesson planning, managing behavior, or stretching a small paycheck to cover classroom supplies, we all feel the weight. But one thing is clear: we’re all in this together. Despite our differences in teaching styles, beliefs, or methods, we share the same goal—to do what’s best for kids and to help shape them into future leaders.

And let’s talk about the why.You know, that big existential question we’re all supposed to reflect on every August, usually at a staff meeting where someone hands us a sticky note and tells us to write it down. Why do we teach? The easy answer (and let’s be honest, the one we jokingly say when things are rough) is summers. But for most of us, that’s not the real answer—because we know we don’t really get summers off.

For me, I’m lucky enough to coach swimming during the summer, which keeps me busy and connected. But my real why? It’s because I want to create lessons that I would want to sit through. Lessons that feel meaningful, engaging, and, dare I say it, fun.

Yes, sometimes that means a worksheet—because sometimes life requires straightforward practice. But the moments that matter most to me? They’re the ones where we’re gathered around a picture book, having a discussion, reading out loud, laughing together. Those are the lessons that stick. Those are the moments where real learning—and connection—happens.

So the next time someone asks me why I teach, my answer isn’t going to be about summers or even test scores. It’s going to be this: Because I want to create a learning environment I’d want to be in.

Sharing to Support, Not Compete

I recently started a Facebook group for teachers, and my hope is that it becomes a space where we can share, celebrate, and support one another. Yes, I share some paid resources on Teacher Pay Teachers because, let’s be honest, many of us rely on side hustles to make ends meet. But my bigger goal is to help other teachers—whether it’s with a quick, print-ready resource for a tough day or an idea that sparks inspiration when you’re feeling burned out.

This isn’t about competition. I’ve seen too many teacher communities divided—where some people can share their work, and others can’t. That’s not the kind of group I want to build. My vision is to create a space where all teachers can contribute, collaborate, and find what they need without judgment.

Leveraging Big Platforms to Build a Bigger Community

Let’s be real: teaching doesn’t pay enough, and we all spend way too much of our own money on our classrooms. That’s why I’m working toward monetizing through platforms like YouTube and social media. By using these big companies, we can create a ripple effect—sharing resources and strategies while supplementing our income so we can afford to keep doing what we love.

But here’s the thing: I don’t want to stop teaching. I love it too much. My goal isn’t to leave the classroom behind but to build a community that allows us to stay in the profession we’re passionate about while finding new ways to support each other.

A Passion for Authentic Teaching

At the end of the day, our mission is bigger than test scores, paycheck battles, or lesson plan debates. It’s about raising kids who are resilient, curious, and ready to take on the world. To do that, we need each other. We need to stick together, share ideas, and cheer each other on.

So, let’s make this about connection, not competition. Let’s build a teacher community that celebrates authentic teaching—the kind that doesn’t just get through the day but inspires kids to dream big and make a difference.

And if you feel the same way, I hope you’ll help me keep creating lessons that matter. Like, subscribe, and share. Because when we support each other, we all win.

We’re stronger together, and together, we can do what we set out to do: change lives.

Thank you for being here. For teaching. For showing up even when it’s hard. Let’s keep lifting each other up.

—Jennifer