I'm Mandi Cloud; amateur blogger and veteran teacher. I'm beginning my twelfth year of teaching this year, and I consider myself blessed to have taught my entire career (11 years in kindergarten and 1 year in 1st grade) at Limestone Technology Academy in Sand Springs. I'm proud to teach in a district that puts kids first, respects teachers, and is leading the way in advocating for public education.
I'm asked all the time by those outside of the education profession, "Why did you become a teacher?" For me, there is no short and sweet answer to this question. First, I firmly believe that everyone is called to do something specific. For me, I've known since I was little that I wanted to be a teacher. My love for learning began at an early age at home. My mom has always put an emphasis on education and lived by example. She became a single parent before my 1st birthday, and without her nursing degree, our lives would have turned out quite differently. The most important thing my mother instilled in me was that my education wasn't the school's job; it was our job. It was up to me to be a good student, and homework and studying were not just a priority, but an expectation set from my very first day of kindergarten. Those high expectations have fostered a lifelong love of learning for me. I still attend conferences, professional development, and share and learn from others. It is my goal as a teacher to promote a lifetime love of learning to my students!
I've been inspired to teach by the many amazing teachers that I've had growing up. Mrs. Susan Comfort, Mrs. Louise Pond, Mr. Loren Stephenson, and Mr. Frank Cooper (to name a few...the list goes on, and on, and on!) taught me so much more than the required academic content. They encouraged me to be creative, think outside the box, and helped me to come out of my shell and develop self-confidence. To my teachers, I wasn't a student identification number or a test score; I was an important individual with unique talents, interests, and abilities. In today's testing climate and data driven society, it is more important than ever to make personal connections with students. I've been motivated through example to build relationships and connect with my students!
Conversely, I've also been inspired by the few "not so amazing" teachers that I've had through the years. Although unpleasant at the time, those experiences have proved invaluable. Knowing what an ineffective teacher does (or doesn't do!) allows me to learn from others' mistakes. No one is perfect, but I strive to bring my students my very best effort each and every day!
I hear it all the time; "You know you'll never be rich being a teacher."
They're right. Well, somewhat.
I'll never see a six-figure paycheck from teaching in a public school. I'll never see my name in lights, retire at an early age, or own a vacation home on the beach.
I will however, be emotionally rich; much richer than those that mock my choice of profession. They don't get to listen to a 5 year old read for the very first time. They don't see the smile on their face or experience the excitement and celebration that comes with giving a child the gift of literacy. I am rich because I make a difference in my students' lives, just like my teachers have made in mine. Sure, there are other professions that allow you to impact a person's life, but none quite like a teacher.
Poet and former educator Taylor Mali nails it. This is what teachers make, and this is why I teach.
