“I don’t have time to read that! Or “ I am just too tired!” Have we not all heard these phrases before? These phrases that at some point or another have been said by teachers and educators the world over. The phrases seem to be harmless and even understandable. With all the additional responsibilities that we have as educators, teaching is a tiny fraction of what we due daily. Yet, what I have found is these phrases are sometimes used as an excuse not to grow and stretch ourselves; to unintentionally strangle the love of learning that we once held.

Growth is a natural part of the educational process. We ask our students to do it daily. Yes, sometimes, it is difficult, uncomfortable, and even painful; but in the end, it is always for the best. We know this, and it is why we desire this growth on the part of our students. We were there once ourselves. Do you recall the feeling you had when you began to train to be a teacher? This flame that you had to teach and inspire others was being kindled, being fanned into an inferno. We had a passion for learning everything we could about the vocation we loved. Yet, as the years go by, and students come and go far too often, this passion for learning our craft begins to fade away. We lose that passion for learning that we used to have. How can we rightly invoke a love for learning in our students when we do not love learning ourselves? It is time that we rekindle that love of learning, if not for ourselves, then for the students that walk into our classroom every day.

There are many reasons why teachers must rekindle their love of learning. However, I am going to address three critical reasons to stoke the flames we once had.

Be an example:

Being an example goes back to the statement that I made earlier. How can we instill a passion for learning if we do not possess that same passion? Students today want something real; they do not desire the artificial. I had one educator tell me, “Gone are the days when students listened to you because of your knowledge or credentials; they are looking for a real connection.” Students are looking for genuine relationships, especially with their teachers. Our students want and need us to model what we ask them to be or do. Students are perceptive; they will quickly pick up on a teacher who is not learning and evolving. If we are going to try and create a love of learning in our students, then we have to be a lover of continuous learning ourselves. 

Be Productive:

Have you ever heard the preverbal phrase that is the kiss of death of any organization? “Well, we have never done it that way before.” This phrase will kill any meaningful momentum that an organization is trying to build, and ultimately it’s productivity. Here is the truth, if you are a teacher and you are clinging to this phrase, then you need to get out of teaching. Education is continually changing, and if you do not change with it, then you and your organization will cease to be effective. Rekindling your love of learning will help keep you up to date on new trends and practices in teaching. New studies are continually being conducted that can provide resources that will lead to you becoming a more effective teacher. A refusal to continuously learn is educational negligence. What may have been the educational trend a decade ago, may have been superseded by new research, and thus obsolete. If you want to be productive as a teacher, you must continue to learn.

Be student-oriented:

As educators, we should be student-oriented. Everything we do should be geared to ensuring the success of our students. If you have not noticed, students have changed, and they are continually changing. Students from Generation Z are vastly different from their Millennial predecessors. For example, Gen Z is more tech-driven than any generation before them. Yet, far too often, I come across teachers who refuse to use technology in the classroom. The reason for this is usually a lack of knowledge. This will require us to learn. This is one example of many, but the point remains. For us to be genuinely student-oriented and teach them in a manner that is most effective for how they learn, it will require us also to learn. Our students are constantly changing, and we must continue to learn how to reach them best if we are going to be successful educators. To put students first, we must be continual learners. 

These are three simple reasons that should motivate us to rekindle a continuous love of learning. I know it is easy to fall into a rut when you have taught the same material for years, but we must fight that temptation. We must push past our feelings and comfort to a place of discomfort and growth,  to do what is best for students. I beg you, my fellow educators, if you have lost your love of learning, please rekindle that flame that it might transform into an inferno again. And those who have not lost your love of learning, I hope that you hold fast to that love and that it would only grow. This will be hard, but it will be worth it because our students are worth it, and ultimately, my colleague, you’re worth it.