Why I Love Teaching (by William)

My Student's Homework about Win-Win and Listening to Others

            This Thanksgiving may have symbolized Zoom family get-togethers or wolfing down whole chunks of turkey meat all by yourself. But the end of autumn this year had a far greater meaning than cranberry sauce to me. One that transcended above Thanksgiving documentary nights and family feasts. In the gloom of distance learning this year, a group of close friends and myself co-founded a non-profit organization. We called it Alliance of Academic Achievement. So why was my Thanksgiving so special? Our infant organization was launched shortly after Thanksgiving, and all of our volunteer teachers (including me) were in a scramble to start the teaching campaigns. My first class -- Christmas Songs for Tiny Tots successfully started in Early December. I taught two batches of kids until the singing lessons ended on Christmas Eve, and I discovered my passion for teaching.

            When I looked closely into the eyes of the elementary schoolers, I saw doubt which slowly morphed into contentedness and bravery. One of my students, Angeline, was very shy at the beginning of the singing classes. In the first class, I only saw her hair and the round top of her head. She displayed her bright eyes in the second class. In the third class, she revealed her wholesome face. After asking her about Christmas gifts in the last class, her smile appeared. My course taught her to be brave and be her authentic self. Due to the success of the Christmas song course, I then taught multiple rounds of 7 Habits of Happy Kids Reading and Discussion Class. I read Sean Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens twice during 6th and 7th grades, and thought the adapted version for elementary schoolers would be beneficial. The kids hugely enjoyed the stories and laughed along with the 7 Oaks gang. As their mentor, I witnessed my students acquiring the life skills needed to succeed in school and beyond. One of my students, Ann, actively used her life skills on a daily basis. Upon bringing home a box of snacks, Ann’s mother’s heart skipped a beat when Ann not only helped herself to the snacks, but also opened a bag for her mom – describing the situation as “Win-Win (habit 4).”

            Every time I teach elementary schoolers, I feel grateful. Grateful for AoAA. Grateful for my students’ curiosity. Grateful for the knowledge I possess and pass down. My mother even observed that I have a rare twinkle in my eyes when teaching classes. The core reason for my passion for teaching is I can be a positive influence on the lives of others. My singing classes have taught kids Christmas songs which they may sing to their children and grandchildren. My 7 habits class taught them life habits which they can benefit from later in life. I’m honored to share my knowledge with elementary schoolers and help them dream big and fly high. My heart is filled with compassion, and my soul glimmers knowing that my students are blessed with strong wings.

            I’m looking forward to teaching my new Core Biology class in March.  

PS: You may enjoy watching my YouTube videos about teaching elementary school kids. Singing class: https://youtu.be/3h8rLRadNfA  Reading and Discussion class: https://youtu.be/r99BVwhCkJ0