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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d said Eric Crayton, an American Board certified teacher.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Lisa Howell, executive director of American Board, hopes sharing these teachers\u2019 stories will help get rid of the stigma that comes with teaching.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone 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,\u201d Howell said. \u201cI hope these stories will inspire others to become teachers and play an important role in the development of the next generation.\u201d<\/p>\n