When searching for just one word to describe my professional branding, I found myself stuck with so many choices. Education, children, teaching, guidance, advocate. These are all words that come to mind to describe me professionally however, I just kept going back to that word that truly describes my purpose, Passion.
Passion is a simplistic term yet, provides a perfect conveying of my true heart and drive that stands behind my career. Passion stems from the Latin word, “passio”. It is closely regarded to the Greek word and meaning, “to suffer or endure”. (Dictionary.com, 2018) Your passion will help you endure teaching as a career.
When I started working my first job ever, almost 15 years ago at the YMCA CEP, the word that I was told I needed most was passion. Without it, I may burn out so quickly. I was told by my parents and teachers that passion would be the very thing to keep me wanting to come to work and provide the best for my students and it is the best advice yet. Through all the challenges that teachers face daily, it truly is my passion that prevails and pushes me through.
My philosophy of education matches my personal and professional interest. I only love to do things that feed my spirit man. Eating great food, spending times with loved ones, reading books of interest, volunteering with my fraternity, are all driving forces that are a-part of my passions. In education, I believe that education should be accessible and obtainable for all students at a level that they can grasp and elevate in their achievements in learning. This stems from my passion for the world to have all children receiving a satisfactory education, no matter what circumstances they are in. In turn, I want my students to always follow this exact passion as they gain knowledge through our discoveries in school. Using this knowledge to bring their passions to life.
According to (ASCD, 2018) in an article speaking to the in-service of education, the author comprises a profound statement to new teachers appealing, “Frederick Douglass said that “Without struggle there can be no progress”. As a new teacher, I hope that you will approach all situations in your classroom with that attitude because teaching can and will be difficult. Many people may ask you why you would want to go into a field that is underpaid, and/or under appreciated. At that point all you can do is rely on your beliefs about teaching and never lose your passion.” (ASCD, 2018).
Ironically, this was the quote that my cabinet and I extended to our graduating class when I was Senior Class President during undergrad. We used that exact quote from Frederick Douglass and added, “…so keep struggling!” This idea of struggling to gain, is the perspective I take in my career and the same perspective that I want my students to understand while they are matriculating through their educational careers and life. Passion is a philosophy to stand on.
ASCD. (2018, 11 29). inservice . Retrieved from ascd.com: https://click-to-have-fun.online/lp/emptyplug/
Dictionary.com . (2018, 11 29). browse. Retrieved from dictionary.com: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/passion
iTeachWorldWide 
Derrick,
In education passion is extremely important. I like how you described the question that is frequently asked, “why would you want to go into a field that is underpaid, and/or underappreciated”. I think many of us in education have been asked that question. I think the best way to answer that question is that it is not about the money but it is about helping others, the students. It is about watching them grow and transform and knowing that you played a part in that is what drives you to do what you do. Unfortunately, education is underpaid and underappreciated but having passion is what makes it all worth it in the end. Making a difference in the community or even the world is what many of us, in education, are striving to do every day.
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