Why Did You Get Into Education?

Reignite Your Passion and Build Career Stamina

Hey there. I want to ask you something big. Something real.

Why did you get into education?

Not why you stayed. Not what you do now. I want you to go back—way back—to that first spark. That moment when something lit up in you and said, "This is it. This is my path." Perhaps a teacher changed your life. Maybe you wanted to be the person you never had growing up. You believed with your whole heart that you could make a difference.

That is your why.

The Power of Your Why

Your why still lives inside you. But let’s be honest, education can bury that spark. The paperwork, the policies, the pressure. You walk through hallways where the energy feels heavy. You juggle responsibilities that keep growing. And you try to care without losing yourself.

But here’s the good news: passion does not vanish. It just hides. And you can find it again.

Let me tell you something important. Education is not a sprint. It is a marathon. Marathons require stamina- not just physical stamina, but mental focus and emotional strength.

You need to know your purpose.

You need to find joy in the small wins. Smile when chaos hits. Laugh when the day takes a turn. And remember: your work changes lives, even when no one says thank you.

Rediscover What Matters

If you feel tired, discouraged, or disconnected, it is okay. You are not alone. But do not stay there. You did not get into education for test scores. You got in for transformation.

You got in for connection.

You got in because you care.

So here is your challenge. Revisit your why this week.

Write it down.
Say it out loud.
Share it with your team.
Talk about it with your family.

Let that “why” refuel you.

Start With a Reflection

I created a free Reflection Guide to help you do this. It walks you through four key areas:

• Revisit Your Why: Remember your origin story. Write about the person, the moment, or the mission that pulled you into this profession.
  
  
• What’s Getting in the Way: Name what drains you. Be honest. This reflection clears space for healing.
  
  
• Your Joy List: Recall three recent moments that made you smile or feel proud. Small wins matter.
  
  
• Reignite and Refocus: Pick one small action you can take this week to feel connected again.
  
  

This guide does not fix everything. But it helps you take the first step back toward who you are and why you teach.

Your Legacy Starts Today

You may not hear this enough, so let me say it right now: your work matters. You are not just a part of the education system, you are the backbone of it. Your dedication and hard work are what make the system function.

You are showing up when it counts. You are doing the hard stuff. You are holding up students, families, and communities. That takes grit. That takes heart. That takes a person who still believes in something bigger. You are not just a teacher, you are a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change.

So ask yourself, “Why did I get into education?” Then answer with your whole heart.

And do not keep it to yourself. Pass it along. Share the guide. Bring your team together. This kind of reflection—this kind of purpose—builds career stamina. It creates lasting change. By sharing your reflections, you not only strengthen your own resolve but also inspire and support your colleagues.

We need you in this work. And as always, keep Standing Tall.

Download the Reflection Guide and take your first step back to your why. Your students need the version of you that remembers why you started. And so do you. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/18PP0fjgKDRVDwjG3Z83iiWqq5TMAyHLbfALTeBuFEGA/copy