Why We Teach Now

"Why We Teach Now" by Sonia Nieto is a collection of chapters from different teachers who explain their experiences in the classroom. These experiences range from them explaining what the role of the teacher is to social justice experiences they faced in the classroom. I learned a lot reading these chapters from "Why We Teach Now", the one thing I learned the most is how I want to run my classroom, learning from these teachers experiences. In almost every chapter each teacher explains in order to be the best teacher you have to show up for your students everyday even when it's hard. Building a connection with your students is important, because it allows them to feel heard and valued in the classroom. Expecially if they are not at home. A lot of these experiences explained, I can relate to moments in my life when I was in elementary school. I see many of the same qualities these teacher have in my teachers, especially my second grade teacher Mrs. Hayashi, who inspired me to become a teacher. Below are some reflections on certain chapters that I found very intresting.

Why We Teach Now - Reflection 1

Reflection #1

Ginley emphasizes that students are more than test scores, advocating for fostering curiosity, creativity, and emotional well-being. Tepper stresses the importance of trust and personal connections to support students’ growth. Inspired by these chapters and their own experiences with impactful teachers like my teacher Mrs. Hayashi. The importance of nurturing students holistically is committed to becoming a teacher who inspires and supports future generations.

Why We Teach Now - Reflection #2

Reflection #2

This reflection highlights the inspiring insights of Christina Puntel and Mary Jade Haney from Why We Teach Now. Puntel emphasizes the importance of being present and using teaching as a tool for social justice, while Haney focuses on creating supportive spaces that foster hope and empowerment. Both chapters underscore the profound influence teachers have in shaping students academically and personally. Ultimately, the reflection emphasizes that teaching is a labor of love, with the power to transform lives and inspire future generations.

Why We Teach Now - Reflection #7

Reflection #7

This reflection explores the chapters “We Can Win” by Jesse Hagopian and “Becoming the Teacher I Am Today” by Amanda VandeHei from Why We Teach Now. Hagopian shares how he overcame self-doubt to empower students through activism, showing the importance of teaching beyond test scores to address real-world issues. VandeHei reflects on her lifelong passion for teaching and her journey to overcome challenges, focusing on doing what’s best for students. Both chapters highlight how personal experiences and perseverance shape educators. Inspired by these stories, the writer reflects on their own path and commitment to becoming a teacher who fosters connection, growth, and empowerment.

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