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Approved by the associate dean for the College of Education on March 13, 2024.
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So, dear educators, whether you are just beginning your journey or a long-tenured and veteran teacher, we must not forget our passion for our profession. A teacher's passion can fuel their dedication, creativity and infectious enthusiasm, sparking curiosity and a love of learning within their students. This can help foster a supportive and positive learning environment, nurturing student growth and well-being — and we know it doesn't end there. Ultimately, a passionate teacher's dedication creates a ripple effect, shaping future generations, empowering individuals and fostering a more informed and engaged society.
The journey of teaching is a lifelong pursuit, one that can bring immense fulfillment and leave a lasting legacy on the world. So, I urge you to continue pursuing the passion for teaching and recognizing the joy that it can bring, especially in our times of difficulty or doubt; when it seems as if we have lost our passion for teaching. Recognize that it is your passion that can ignite young minds and nurture the potential within yourself and those around you to reach overall human flourishing.
If you are ready to ignite your passion for teaching, Grand Canyon University offers numerous accredited degree programs for aspiring and veteran educators. Whether you are just getting started in your teaching career or are looking for advancement opportunities, GCU’s College of Education is ready to help you fulfill your goals.
Witnessing students' growth and understanding can bring teachers an immense sense of intrinsic joy, exceeding external rewards. Here are a few joys I have experienced as an educator in the classroom:
The intrinsic joy experienced by teachers goes beyond simply witnessing academic achievement. It's about witnessing the potential of their students unfold, knowing they contributed to shaping bright and capable individuals, and fulfilling a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in their teaching journey. This joy stems from several interconnected elements, such as:
Teaching offers educators a profound opportunity to make a lasting positive contribution to society while experiencing a deep sense of purpose in their careers. In short, teaching can be a powerful act of service to both individuals and society as a whole. By dedicating themselves to the growth and development of young people, teachers contribute directly to the betterment of the world and work toward build a more promising future for generations to come in a number of ways, such as:
Engaging with students and exploring new teaching methods can be fundamental in cultivating a culture of continuous learning and growth for educators. In essence, engaging authentically with students and embracing new teaching methods transforms the classroom into a dynamic learning environment for teachers and students alike. It positions teachers as active learners, constantly seeking ways to expand their knowledge and practices, ultimately leading to more effective teaching and a potentially more fulfilling career. Here's why:
When I take the time to stop and think about why my passion is so important to my teaching, a few things consistently come to mind that I will share with you below.
A teacher’s passion and intrinsic motivation can directly affect the motivation, engagement and energy inside the classroom in a number of ways, such as:3
A teacher's genuine enthusiasm and passion for a subject can act as a powerful force in unlocking students' natural curiosity and fostering a lifelong love of learning in a number of ways. This can look like:
A teacher's passion can be a powerful tool for cultivating a supportive and positive learning environment, fostering student growth and well-being in several ways.3 By injecting their passion into the classroom environment, teachers can create a space where students feel supported, celebrated and motivated to grow both academically and personally. This positive environment can empower them to reach their full potential and thrive as individuals. Here are some ways that might be seen in action:
I know this one will resonate with my fellow teachers. Passion can equip teachers with the resilience and persistence needed to overcome challenges and navigate the many educational complexities that might be experienced in and out of the classroom. Some examples may be:
Research shows that individuals’ levels of passion do not always remain stable or high. However, there is evidence that our mindset plays a critical role on the regulation of our passion.2 As an educator, when my days are long, or I have decision fatigue, or I have a particularly grueling sort of day, I try to stop myself and think about the “why.” Why is it that I do what I do and why is my passion so critical to what I do and why I do it?
Beyond the transfer of knowledge, a teacher's passion can serve as a catalyst, not only igniting an educator’s own dedication and creativity in the classroom, but also sparking curiosity and love for learning within their students. This can ultimately foster an environment of growth and fulfillment for both educator and student.
If we really let that sink in, it is such a powerful concept. For teachers and educators, more often than not, the most meaningful aspects of a teacher’s work, the elements that drive an educator’s passion, go beyond academics. That drive often involves student engagement, the sense of contribution to something larger — bigger than us, bigger than even our own classroom. And, finally, those connections and sometimes long-lasting relationships can be the fuel that fills our cups.
However, my fellow educators, we know there can be many challenges and just as many rewards in our profession. The success of thousands of students throughout your career will depend on your preparation, your willingness to invest time and energy into your students, and yes, your passion. So, what do we do when we seemingly feel as though we have lost that passion or joy for what we do? I urge you to read on.
