American Board launches #WhyITeach social media campaign

Amidst the national teacher shortage, one nonprofit is honoring teachers with a social media campaign to share the important work educators do by shaping future generations.

American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence launched the #WhyITeach campaign on August 1 and will share quotes, videos, photos and more throughout the month from teachers telling their stories of why they chose the profession.

“The first reason I became a teacher is because I love watching children grow in their knowledge and understanding of the world of science. The other reason I became a teacher is because I have a love of learning and want to pass that love on to future generations,” said Eric Crayton, an American Board certified teacher.

Teaching is a profession that has gained an unfortunate stigma. Phrases like, “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach,” are used colloquially in our society and it is at a detriment to the future of educating. Teachers deserve to feel valued for the priceless work they do.

Lisa Howell, executive director of American Board, hopes sharing these teachers’ stories will help get rid of the stigma that comes with teaching.

“Everyone hears about how difficult being a teacher is, and it definitely can be. But days when you see the lightbulb go off for a student because they finally understand a concept makes it all worth it,” Howell said. “I hope these stories will inspire others to become teachers and play an important role in the development of the next generation.”

American Board offers an online, self-paced teacher certification program which provides candidates with materials to prepare for two exams: one to test their competency in pedagogy, or instructional methods, and one to test their competency in the subject area they wish to certify in. The affordable program puts qualified individuals where they are most needed: leading the classroom. To learn more, click here.