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"WHY I TEACH" | MEMORIES OF SOE TEACHING GRADUATES The School of Education wants to hear about our graduates in the teaching profession. Please share a brief story about your experience of teaching. Whether or not you are joining us at the SOE Fall Reception during Loyola's Homecoming weekend, we would appreciate hearing your story. Here are some brief essays of some SOE alumni. ***************************************************************************************************************
I teach because I can relate to the youth who are persevering through school to make a better life for themselves and their families through education. I teach because education is the key that opens life's doors. I also teach teachers that all students can learn if given a fair chance and opportunity. I teach because it is noble. Teaching is my calling, and I would do it for free because there is no value that can be placed on educating an individual. "Ignorance is the night of the mind, but a night without moon and star."- Confucius 551-479 BC *************************************************************************************************************** I teach because our communities need good people; I teach my students to advocate for social justice by being sensitive and active citizens of their communities who champion for equity and equality. I teach because reading is joy; I teach my students to embrace reading as a profound aspect in their lives and to use literature to better understand themselves and the world we live in. I teach because there’s something magical about watching a child grow from day to day, progress from grade to grade, and then one day, as an adult, cross paths with you at the grocery store and say, “Hey Ms. Yu, you know you were my favorite teacher?” I teach because I cannot imagine spending my days any other way. I love to teach. Tracy Yu Stronsky (MEd '08, BSEd '00) - National Board Certified Teacher & Reading Specialist ***************************************************************************************************************
Teaching also helps bring out the best in myself and I know that this reflects on my students. I do not want to lie to you, or anyone, teaching has been and will always be one of the hardest things I have ever done. Nevertheless, everyday on my commute home my heart is always filled with joy. The idea that I am there for those students that need me ignites my desire for becoming a better a teacher. My students and I are the co-workers and builders for a better future. They are my partners in this journey of teaching that will never end. ***************************************************************************************************************
To see students develop their skills and increase their knowledge and to know that as a teacher you have had some influence in their growth is not only satisfying but also energizing. There is no career that is more important or more rewarding than teaching. ***************************************************************************************************************
Happily I report after thirty years of teaching experiences that I hold this to be true more than ever. Waking up each morning to a variety of new educational and social challenges is a wonderful way to live. Focusing on ideas rather than things is very fulfilling. Working with children, preservice teachers, mentor teachers, and university faculty presents an exciting forum in which to teach and to continue to learn. Add laughter, smiles and great books. Teaching makes me happy.
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I teach because similar to many students, growing up my family background had limited resources and even fewer opportunities. All students deserve the opportunity for a quality education. I am committed to advocating for all students to inherit the opportunity. I embody the true meaning of the No Child Left behind Act (2001, as a result, no child is left behind in my classroom. I am committed to not only teaching student the three R’s, reading, writing, and arithmetic, but to transfer what Loyola professors taught me: how to become a better person. Angela Henderson (BSEd '10) ***************************************************************************************************************
...I was an optimist and an idealist. I continue to teach because when I hear passionate discourse on education, I still believe our schools can be great. ...I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. I continue to teach because of those rare moments when I feel an authentic connection, the moment when I am keenly aware that my words just positively impacted a student. ...My mother is a teacher and has always been my role model. I continue to teach because I still strive to be as dedicated and impactful as she is in the classroom. ...I enjoyed helping children learn. I continue to teach because I realize my students can teach me just as much (if not more) about life. ...I felt that I had a lot to contribute to the education system. I continue to teach because I have to practice what I preach, and being a good teacher transcends into being a good human being. ...I wanted to be a lifelong learner. I continue to teach because I am faced with new, exciting challenges nearly every day. ***************************************************************************************************************
In my classroom at the elementary level we do not limit our conversations to middle school or high school. We talk about college! When you empower a child to reach new heights that they never even thought possible you start to see a special glow in them that reminds you of your role as an educator. Seeing a student's facial express when you are cheering them on at a community football/basketball game, piano showcase, or dance recital is priceless. Loyola prepared me to educate and serve. My educational experience at Loyola is a key factor to why I am now a Doctoral Candidate in Educational Administration and Supervision at Tennessee State University. ***************************************************************************************************************
I teach to reach and inspire those children who otherwise would be left by the wayside. Alida Stiegal (BSEd 1996) *************************************************************************************************************** 
I was born to teach. Dianne Crawford (MEd 2000) *************************************************************************************************************** When at the end of the school year, I look at my students and
see how much they've learned in that short period of time, I feel fulfilled and I realize
that teaching is the purpose of my life.
I teach because
I have the opportunity to change lives. Joanne Yum (MEd 2011) ***************************************************************************************************************
This September I began my 38th year of teaching. Does that tell you something? Teaching is my life. My joy. I look forward to each September to begin a new journey into the lives of my students. What an adventure!! Karen Thomas (BSEd 1973, MEd 1980), Sawyer School, Chicago Public Schools
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*************************************************************************************************************** Another class I loved was the history course taught by Dr. McGovern. His presentation of a subject I had formerly found boring gave the it eyes, ears and a drama of real life that I could never forget... So thanks to Loyola, for finding teachers like these who would not settle for ordinary, but brought much more to our lives by their hard work and their own personalities. And, I am sure it is doing the same in the present time.
Retired Chicago Public Schools Principal *************************************************************************************************************** I guess my fondest memory of the School of Education was actually traveling to the Mallinckrodt Campus for the first time or a small charter van going from Lakeshore on a cold and icy day to meet with Dr. Lowe about possibly declaring education for my major in undergrad. She was the best advisor for me at that time because I was really struggling with focusing on a major and career focus. From this meeting, a very spectacular relationship formed. Dr. Lowe ultimately became my mentor, I and owe a lot of what I have achieved in education to her. Kevin Tate, BSEd ‘99 King College Prep, Assistant Principal Chicago, IL *************************************************************************************************************** I have many memories that I wish I could share with you, but I will limit it to one. I have been employed in the School of Education since July 1974. I came to Loyola to earn my degree in Business Administration, but I earned much more, including a Masters of Education in Human Development. I have many personal relationships with faculty, staff and students that have developed throughout the last 30+ years and that will continue to grow throughout my lifetime. My special memory is my advisor, mentor, and friend, Dr. Carol Harding. Carol believed in me and encouraged me to go into Human Development and develop my interests in Diversity and Spirituality. She told me, “you have a story to tell and people will listen.” I carry those words with me everyday. Unfortunately, Carol left this earth in September 2006, but she left a mark on everyone she touched—students, faculty, and administrators. Carol was a Professor who had a gift for teaching, but also a gift of learning from her students. I feel blessed to have had her in my life (if for only a short time). Happy 40th Anniversary to the School of Education! Valerie J. Collier, M.Ed., 2000, BA, 1995 Senior Program Coordinator, School of Education Loyola University Chicago Chicago, IL *************************************************************************************************************** There are many reasons why today, I am a successful teacher. I will not attempt to expound on any of those qualities or attributes. I would rather give notice to Loyola University and the man who stood for the standards of that outstanding institution. Dr. Berlin believed in me, as a person, a student and as a future teacher. He was one of the most instrumental people in my educational development. When people ask me to this day, who was the teacher who made a difference in your life, I shout out the name of Dr. Berlin. He was as an advisor, a mentor, an educator and a believer. Although I never was privileged to have him as an instructor, he will always be at the very top of my list. I am honored to call Loyola University my alma mater. I thank you Dr. Berlin. Patricia Sexton Walsh, BSEd 1973 Sullivan Elementary School Prospect Heights, IL *************************************************************************************************************** I began my doctoral work in Curriculum, Instruction, and Educational Psychology in 1990....I gained a great deal of knowledge from Dr. Ron Morgan, Dr. Jack Kavanagh, Dr. Barney Berlin, and Dr. Phil Carlin...We always worked as a team and used the case study approach, too...I will always cherish Loyola University, the staff, and the fellow students for enriching my life. Paulette A. Nement-Dittrich, Ed.D. '04 |
I teach because this is what I was born to do. I teach to encourage, inspire, and support students who may not believe that college success is possible. I say to them, "look at me; I come from where you come from, you can do it too".
I teach because knowledge is freedom; I teach my students strategies, skills, and content so that they are able to reach their fullest potential as they travel down the various paths they choose.
I chose to be a teacher because I want to have the power to inject hope and to shape individuals into strong citizens that care for their community. 
The classroom is an exciting place to be. Every day presents a new challenge. When the teacher and the students participate in a learning commmunity, everyone benefits.
I am a sincere optimist who believes that with effort on the part of all of us the world can truly be a far better place for future generations.
As an educator, I am committed to teaching all students regardless of their culture, family situations, and/or socioeconomic backgrounds.
I decided to teach because...
Teaching to me is a commitment! As an educator, I am committed to my students, school community, and our families. My role is to educate, inspire, challenge, and support my students in and out of the classroom.
I won't ever forget Dr. Bannon's Natural Theology class, in which he used the socratic method of teaching in his philosophy course. He engaged us in an interactive series of questions that both challenged and delighted us..When I became a teacher, I copied his strategy with my students. I was always amazed at how well it worked" but it shouldn't have surprised me, because I had learned it by participating with a pro!
