Why Teach?

I wanted to be a teacher all my life, I feel like I was born to be a teacher, though I denied it. As a child I was going to be a Surgeon, have 8 kids and travel the world, how different life is today. I have half the 8, lol. I loved science as a kid, still do and the thought of cutting open a person fascinated me, and I had something to prove. Yet, every personality test I took in High School, teacher was number 1, but I still said medicine was for me. The main reason I think was I felt I had to prove something to myself, family and to all those people in my life who always told me "You Cant Do That". I have a great family, but when it comes to me they tend to doubt my abilities, a lot of people do, until they get to know me.
After being a stay-at-home for 14 years, I became a single mom of 4, full time employee and a full time college student, in pursuit of a Medical Degree. My goal was to go to Vanderbilt, even with my sister telling me "You need to set your sights and go to Med school where ever they are willing to accept you". I pressed on, still denying the inner voice that said "what am I doing in this field" but I have 4 children to put through college and on a teachers salary, that ain't happening. After 2 years a lot of self realization, it all became clear, you cant deny your passion or your destiny.
At the end of the day its not about monetary value, its how you feel inside, what you have accomplished and the contribution I have made, big or small, to this world. Who wants to work at a job, day end and day out, and the only satisfaction is a huge salary. I am not saying the medical field is not a a great field to be in, its just not for me. I worked in a hospital, on and off over the years and I never had enough time to spend with the patients, so last September I quit my job (found a new one), changed my major and never looked back. The best time I have had are with my kids, coaching softball teams, talking with their friends and in the schools reading to the class and helping them. One thing I am very proud of is the relationship I have with my own kids and how their friends respect me and are comfortable enough to confide in me. I feel like I am a great motivator and I have a lot to offer students and am able to interact with kids of all ages.
I want to make a difference, a positive one. I never want to hear someone tell a child or anyone 'they can't do something". We may have to go a different route but all things are possible. If we set our goals high and fall short, its not a failure, as long as you've tried and given it your best. There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing the look on a child's face when they understand what you are talking about. I am a creative person and education will allow me to be that, if one way of learning doesn't work than I can find a different way.
Whether I am in Special Ed or not I just want to teach, its hard to describe why other than I feel the need, that I have to, its definitely a desire that cannot be denied. I believe that everyone has a place in this world, has something to offer and deserves to be happy. I am going to share with you my vision for education. One area I see myself in, is politics, there are changes in policy that need to be made for all children to receive the education that they deserve.

My Vision for Education, May 2007, LeaderShape Institute

The value of a high standard, quality education is understood and provided for every child in the United States. The power of potential that lies within every young person is realized and utilized to the fullest.
Every school in the U.S. is equally and adequately funded providing the same learning opportunities and resources for every student.
Local school districts will overhaul budget, curriculum, hiring practices and school board structure: In order to provide resources and support networks for all schools, higher professional standards and consistency of curriculum across the state(s).
All leaders from local communities, political leaders, educators and parents need to be active participants and well informed, concerned individuals and as a collective unit to the welfare of our children and their education.
"THE FOUNDATION OF EVERY STATE IS THE EDUCATION OF ITS YOUTH."(Diogenes Laertius)