Within each one of us there is a voice that says, "I am something special…I can make a difference…I have something to give to others!"

Listen to that voice. Honor it. Don't ever let anyone silence it. And if you are true to your inner
voice when it comes to choosing a profession, it will do your heart good. Ignore it, and you'll end up wondering why you wasted your life.

Whatever you do, don't sell yourself short. Don't underestimate the good you can do. And please do not dismiss the idea of becoming a teacher before giving it serious thought.

Our public schools need you—the student population is growing ever more diverse, but teachers of color are increasingly in short supply. Nearly 40 percent of America's students are minorities, but just 11 percent of our teachers are.

Our communities need you—the quality of education that our children receive will do more to determine the future of Black people in America than anything else.

Our children need you—they need someone who will inspire them, someone who will hold high expectations for them, someone who will always tell them, "You can do it!"—and that someone
could be you.

A while ago, a colleague of mine asked her students, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" One student wanted to be a police officer, another wanted to be President, another a doctor. Then she came to Malik and asked, "What do you want to be?" And Malik answered, "I just want to be possible." She asked, "What do you mean, you want to be possible?" And he explained, "My mother always said that I'm impossible. I want to be possible."

As a teacher myself for 35 years, I feel a kinship to Malik. I made it my mission to reach out to children like him, and I learned there is tremendous power in the words "I believe in you. I
know you can achieve." I also know there are too many young brothers and sisters today who are falling behind for lack of an adult to say that to them.

Bear in mind that teachers do more than teach their academic subjects. They also model appropriate behaviors and teach by personal example. They teach children the value of taking responsibility for themselves and respecting others. They teach children that success is 1
percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration. For many children, teachers are the most important authority figures outside of their homes.

Of course, teaching isn't for everyone. It certainly isn't for the faint of heart. Teaching is challenging work. To tweak a Marine Corps slogan: The few. The proud. The teachers.

But if you decide to become a teacher, I promise you two things.

Number one: At the end of the day, you very well might be tired out, but you won't feel like your work or life is without meaning. Because when you are an effective teacher, you see it in your kids' faces…You see it in the fire you kindle in their minds…You see it in the gratitude
your students express years later. Like other veteran teachers, I hear from my former students. One, now a successful TV producer, e-mailed me recently and said: "Mr. Weaver, besides my father, you were the most important man in my life." Other professions don't tend to generate such responses.

Number two: You will have some outstanding colleagues. Dedicated and caring people are attracted to teaching, and they're fine folks to be around. The greatest asset teachers bring is that we share our enthusiasm for learning. A few years ago, Margaret Edson, a public elementary school teacher in Atlanta, won the Pulitzer Prize for a play that she had written. She was deluged with question from the press. "Now that you've won the Pulitzer, will you quit
teaching?" Her response: "I will continue to teach. I love teaching. My kids are going to save the world."

So I hope you will consider becoming a teacher. And if you do, I hope you will consider joining the NEA Student Program—it will link you to other college students who are preparing to
become teachers and help light your way to the classroom. Check out: NEA.org/student-program.

Every child deserves a great public school—that is a fundamental right. And great teachers are what make great public schools great.

In the movie A Man for All Seasons, Thomas More is talking with a young man uncertain about his future. "Be a teacher," More advises. "And if I am a great teacher, who will know?" asks the young man. More replies: "You. Your pupils. God. Not a bad public that."

I couldn't have said it better myself. But for the last word on becoming a teacher, we must turn to that great philosopher, Motown's Smokey Robinson, who sang of giving "a lifetime of devotion." That's what teaching is. I second that emotion.

Mr. Weaver is president of the National Education Association, which represents more than
2.7 million teachers, education support professionals, and higher education faculty across
America.

 

Show Me the (Scholarship) Money! Did you know that membership in the NEA Student Program provides numerous benefits? Reduced rates on magazine subscriptions, leadership development, access to our online “Teacher ToolKit”, and, most importantly, a scholarship to help pay for school! This scholarship is available through a joint effort between our members who are retired teachers (NEA Retired) and our members who are in college pursuing a career in education (NEA Student Program). All applicants must be members of the NEA Student Program. Not yet a member? No problem…you can join online with a credit card. For more information about the NEA Student Program, getting actively involved or joining online, please check out our web site: www.nea.org/student-program/membership. The Jack Kinnaman Scholarship This scholarship was created in memory of our NEA-Retired Vice President and former Advisory Council member, Jack Kinnaman. He also represented NEA-Retired with NEA's Fund for Children and Public Education, and held during his career several other local, state, and national association positions. He is most fondly remembered for wearing the "Cat in the Hat" costume during NEA's Read Across America events. He cared about students—especially ones who needed a helping hand financially. His family wanted scholarships to go to these students. To apply, applicants must submit the following documents: Completed application form Up to 200 word essay describing your NEA Student Program activities on the local, state and/or national level A brief paragraph demonstrating your financial need and how this scholarship will help you complete your degree in education Two (2) letters of recommendations – one from a faculty member or your NEA Student Program Advisor and one from someone who is not a relative A copy of the most recent transcript with evidence of a 2.5 or better grade point average Obtain more information and an application at www.nea.org/student-program/programs/kinnaman-application. Application deadline is April 15, 2006.