Being a teacher has always been challenging, but the last five years since the start of the pandemic have made the job even more difficult.
Despite the headlines of burnout and challenges in schools we found that teachers are still driven by passion, purpose, and a desire to impact students’ lives. We recently surveyed teachers from traditional public schools, charter schools, private schools, and even hybrid or microschools about some of the challenges they face.
However, what stood out to us was this – teaching is driven by passion, purpose, and a profound commitment to positively impacting students’ lives – and teachers deserve our thanks for the work they do.
For many teachers, being a teacher is not merely a job, but a calling. Passion drives educators. In survey responses, they frequently expressed a love for teaching and their subject matter – whether history, science, or art – and find joy in sharing their enthusiasm with the next generation.
As one teacher shared, “I teach because I love helping people explore, grow, and connect with new ideas. It’s incredibly rewarding to guide someone toward an aha moment, whether it’s understanding a tricky concept, seeing a situation from a new perspective, or realizing their own potential.”
This genuine excitement translates into classrooms where students are inspired to explore, grow, and connect with new ideas.
Another consistent theme among teachers is the importance of relationships. The teachers we surveyed shared that they valued the relationships they built with their students and their families.
One teacher shared, “Seeing students grow, overcome challenges, and develop a love for learning is incredibly rewarding.” A second teacher echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the meaningful bonds created through daily interactions. These relationships are important not just as supportive structures but as pivotal components of the learning process.
Teachers we surveyed also expressed a profound desire to make a difference and leave a lasting legacy. Their work is frequently described as rewarding precisely because it allows them to visibly impact students’ lives. One educator shared, “I want to make a positive impact in this world.
Teaching allows me to see that impact every single day.” For many, teaching is an opportunity to create meaningful opportunities for young people, fostering self-confidence and a belief in their potential to succeed.
In addition to shaping lives, educators emphasized the broader societal value of their work. Several responses highlighted the role of teachers in preparing students to become productive and responsible citizens and community members. One teacher shared, “I strive to be the teacher that my own children needed, and the trusted adult that I could have used in my life as a child.”
Another teacher shared, “I like to help students become productive members of society,” reflecting a widespread belief that the teaching profession has a profound influence on future generations.
Many educators described their motivation to teach stemming from their own positive experiences as students. Inspired by teachers who influenced their own lives, they aim to replicate that influence.
Teachers frequently see themselves as critical role models, providing the stability and support students need and deserve in their daily lives. As one teacher shared with us, “I love being able to shape the future by helping students become the best version of themselves.”
While largely driven by intrinsic motivations, teachers acknowledge facing real challenges, including managing student behavior, navigating complex relationships with parents, and coping with workloads that can at times feel overwhelming. As a result, burnout poses a significant threat.
However, a majority of the educators we surveyed want to stay because they believe in what they do.
As the school year comes to a close, let’s listen and support the teachers who have shaped their students’ lives. This means paying them fairly, reducing unnecessary policies that add to teachers’ workloads, and showing respect for their work. Even small things, such as saying thank you or offering support, can make a big difference. Their passion, relationships, and commitment are foundational not only for the individual students they teach but for America’s future.
Marshall is an associate professor in the College of Education at Auburn University. Pressley is an
associate professor at Christopher Newport University.