Who Do You Want to Be? Writing a Mission Statement to Stay Passionate as a Teacher
Let’s be real—teaching can feel like a never-ending cycle of lesson planning, meetings, and wondering why your coffee is always cold before you get a sip. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and lose sight of why you started teaching in the first place. But what if you had a mission statement—a guiding light to keep you focused on what truly matters?
A mission statement isn’t just corporate jargon or something you write on a poster and promptly forget. It’s a powerful tool that helps you clarify who you are as an educator, what you stand for, and how you want to show up for your students and colleagues. So, let’s explore how to craft one that keeps your passion burning brighter than a Friday afternoon countdown clock.
Why Bother with a Mission Statement?
Because when things get tough (and they will), your mission statement will remind you why you’re here. It can help you:
Stay aligned with your values when the job starts to feel overwhelming.
Make decisions that reflect what you truly care about.
Keep your passion alive, even when the Wi-Fi crashes during a crucial lesson.
Think of it as your personal compass. If teaching were a road trip, your mission statement would be the playlist that keeps you energized (and maybe even prevents a metaphorical breakdown on the side of the highway).
Step 1: Explore Who You Want to Be as a Teacher
Grab a piece of paper (or let’s be honest, the back of an old worksheet) and jot down answers to these questions:
What kind of impact do you want to have on students?
How do you want them to feel in your classroom?
What do you want to be remembered for?
Do you want to be the teacher who inspires creativity? The one who makes learning feel like an adventure? The educator who champions every student, no matter their struggles?
If you’re not sure, think about the teachers who made a difference in your own life. What was it about them that stuck with you?
Step 2: Define Your Core Values
Values are the foundation of your teaching mission. If you’re struggling to identify yours, Brene Brown’s List of Valuesis a great place to start. Pick 3-5 values that resonate most with you. Some examples might be:
Equity – Every student deserves to feel valued and supported.
Creativity – Learning should be engaging, hands-on, and sometimes a little messy.
Resilience – Mistakes are stepping stones to success, and I want my students to embrace that mindset.
Connection – Relationships matter. I want my students to feel seen and heard every day.
Step 3: Turn It Into a Statement
Now, put it all together. Your mission statement should be short, meaningful, and something you can actually remember on a chaotic Monday morning. Here are a few examples:
"I create a safe and joyful learning space where every child feels valued and capable of success."
"I empower students to take risks, embrace creativity, and find their voice."
"I strive to make learning engaging and accessible while building strong relationships with my students."
Write yours down, put it somewhere visible, and revisit it when you need a boost.
Final Thoughts: Living Your Mission
A mission statement isn’t just words—it’s a commitment. So, how will you embody yours every day? Maybe it’s greeting each student by name, integrating more hands-on projects, or advocating for change when the system isn’t working. Whatever it is, lean into it.
And if you ever find yourself questioning whether you’re making a difference, remember this: the fact that you care enough to read this means you already are.
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