Reflections: Why Do Teachers Want to Teach?

The question "Why do we want to teach?" opens a wide doorway of infinite answers. Perhaps there is no such thing as a perfect answer to this question, but there are a number of different answers that could and should be taken seriously.

We want to teach because we can teach.

The ability to teach is inherent within our human potential and ability. Teaching is one aspect of being human and truly alive. The reality that it is possible for a human being to teach another human being or an animal is quite remarkable, in itself. We are gifted as teachers and may not realize it.

We want to teach because we know that the next generation needs to be taught, in order to survive.

Consider this reality for a moment.

Historically, if no one had ever taught the next generation, the human race would have died out a long time ago, so it is evident that teaching must be a normal part of survival. Interestingly enough, human beings teach other human beings, not only to survive, but remarkably, to thrive and thus, progress continues.

We want teach because we have acquired the knowledge and the skills necessary to teach.

Have you ever tried to teach something before you acquired the necessary skills or knowledge? It can be difficult and frustrating. Once we have the acquired the necessary skills and knowledge, teaching what we have learned to others, becomes a far easier and more enjoyable task.

We want to teach because we have been taught by others.

Once others have taught us something we know has value, we are willing to teach it to others. If we are truly honest with ourselves, we must admit that for some strange reason, everyone loves to show off and to pass along the knowledge and skills that have been acquired. Perhaps it is our natural inclination to boast that surfaces. What we have been taught may include the importance and necessity to teach others, as well as how to teach others what we have already learned.

We want to teach because we are inspired to teach.

There are those who teach others because teaching is a job or to obtain an income, but those who are truly inspired to teach, find teaching is a more rewarding and valuable experience than that. The inspiration to teach others can come from many different directions and it does. We must always be open to be inspired. It is important to act upon our inspiration in the right manner and to move in a positive and constructive direction with it.

We want to teach because it is a rewarding experience for us.

Teaching can be a frustrating experience for some people. When that happens, there can be an immediate reluctance to continue teaching, but teaching is a rewarding experience. Both the one who is taught and the teacher can and will benefit from teaching. In teaching others, we learn.

We want to teach because "Why not?"

The question, "Why not?" gives us an open ended, golden opportunity to teach others. Is there some reason that we should not teach other people? One might be shocked to learn that there are still places in the world, where people are not taught many things. Even some of the basic skills or knowledge necessary for survival may not be taught or if it is taught, the teaching may be minimal. Other places may tend to encourage the teaching of some, but insist on ignorance for the masses. Illiteracy remains a major problem in many parts of the globe.

We want to teach because we are never too old to teach.

What is truly remarkable about human beings is the reality that even a newborn baby can teach an adult, something about life and reality. Children teach other children and older people all of the time, whether they realize it or not. So do teenagers and young adults. The older an adult gets, the more skills and knowledge he or she will have accumulated. This can and should be taught to others. Seniors are more than able to teach others, including other seniors.

We want to teach because people love to be taught by a good teacher.

One of the most exciting experiences in life is that of being taught by a good teacher. It can be amazing or astounding and a wonderful experience that a person will never forget.

We want to teach because it is fun!

Teaching on any level, can be a fun experience for anyone. Life should always include a healthy portion of fun.

Let us always remember that Jesus wanted to teach people and taught us to teach them as though we taught not. Probably one of the best and most effective methods of teaching is by example. We can do that as long as we want or choose to do so; in turn, we may teach others to want to and to do the same.

The bottom line in all of this is that we want to teach because we know how to teach what is right and we can teach it well.  Remember to take advantage of every golden opportunity to teach.