Why "Just" Doesn't Do Us Justice

“Don’t ever say you are just a teacher.”  -Jon Quam, National Teacher of the Year Coordinator

               After spending much of December surprising the new regional teachers of the year across North Carolina, I found myself getting more and more excited for my upcoming trip to Scottsdale, Arizona to meet the other state teachers of the year.  Spending so much time in schools among passionate educators in our state made me look forward to continuing conversations with other teachers for an entire week.  I thought I knew what to expect, but in reality, I had no idea.

One of My Travel Companions on the Way to Arizona

               When I stepped off the plane in Scottsdale to beautiful sunny skies and cacti lining the streets, I had the first hint that this week would be very different from the norm.  As I entered the blue Super Shuttle to take us to the hotel, I was thrilled to meet teachers from four other states right away—Lea from Delaware, John from Connecticut, Kristi from Nebraska, and Sean from Maryland, a National Finalist and eventual winner of National Teacher of the Year.  We greeted each other like old friends and instantly fell into conversations about our students, our schools, and education in our states. 

A Whole New Ecosystem

To the kind woman in our shuttle who was not a teacher and was starting her vacation, I would like to personally apologize for all the teacher talk.  For those who live with teachers, you know that when two or more teachers are assembled, class is in session.  I appreciate her patience (and the daily patience of our loved ones!) and well wishes in spite of what must have been a pretty boring ride for her.

Class Is in Session!

The week got better and better, and the bonds I made with other teachers became stronger and stronger.  We shared our fears about the current educational climates in our states, we talked about ways to empower educators, we discussed strategies for improving teacher leadership, we examined communication strategies to help us better serve as representative voices for other teachers, we laughed, we cried, and we were inspired.  We really spent the week as students—students of the journey of growing as a teacher.  We listened to presentations and lectures, we attended “teacher homerooms” where we reflected on the day’s conversations, we collaborated, we presented our findings, and we wrote reflective statements.  To echo the words of Sean McComb from Maryland, we were in “teacher heaven.” 

"Teacher Heaven"

Indeed we were in teacher heaven.  But at every moment along the way, I thought about how all teachers deserve opportunities to experience “teacher heaven.”  They deserve opportunities to collaborate with their peers, not only in their schools and districts, but also throughout North Carolina and the nation.  Opportunities for professional development that actually suits the interests and skills of those involved.  Opportunities to reflect on what they have learned and to think about ways to apply it in their classes.  Opportunities to be told, like Jon Quam told us time and again, “You are not just a teacher,” because the title of teacher implies so much more than just an instructional leader.

Our Word Cloud on the Qualities of a Good Teacher

Teachers are time managers extraordinaire; they are compassionate hearts; they are intelligent, inquisitive minds; they are difference makers; they are game changers; they are providers of opportunities; they are encouragers; they are comforters; they are role models; they are caregivers; they are tear dryers; they are high-five givers; they are donation contributors; they are behavior managers; they are community communicators; they are wearers of many hats; they are school painters, gardeners, and repairers; they are classroom cleaners; they are out-of-pocket supply providers; they are bridges across opportunity gaps; they are food providers; they are smile givers; they are constructive feedback masters; they are lesson planners; they are assignment graders; they are pencil donors (Seriously, where do all those pencils go?); they are team leaders; they are team members.  And they are so much more than what I just listed. 

So Much to Do and See As a Teacher!

Teachers give so much of themselves to the students that enter their classrooms every year.  If I had to pick one primary message that I took away from the National Teacher of the Year Conference, that message is that “just” doesn't do us justice.  We are teachers.  And that is deserving of a bold proclamation. 

With the Other State Teachers of the Year

You are a teacher.  There is no “just” about it.