A Teacher with a Voice

During my student teaching experience thirteen years ago, my cooperating teacher and I had several conversations about using my "teacher voice" at opportune times in the classroom. We discussed why it was important to know when to use the voice to achieve a desired effect.

Lately, the idea of teacher voice has popped up in discussions in blogs, at conferences, and around the lunch table.  The conversations have focused on what exactly is the teacher voice, how can teachers best use their voices, and when is it appropriate for teachers to speak out.  Everyone seems to have an opinion based upon their own personal circumstances. The purpose of this blog is to help me reflect on my teacher voice and how and when I use that voice.

Three years ago, I was worn-out and restless. I loved working with my students everyday, but something was missing.  I thought of myself as an effective teacher who not only cared for my students, but was also able to prepare them adequately for the next level. Still, I wanted something more.  I just couldn't put my finger on exactly what that was.

So, I began to think it was time to look for opportunities outside of the classroom. A good friend of mine even encouraged this. She said she did not want to see me burn out and leave the profession entirely. I was needed. Maybe I should take a break to rejuvenate. She was right. I needed a challenge beyond my classroom and I wanted a leadership opportunity, but I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to give up my students. At that time, I thought the only choice was to leave the classroom to be a leader. So I did.

Luckily, my school was looking for a literacy coach.  The position required moving out of the day-to-day role of a classroom teacher; however, I would still be able to interact with students daily. This role afforded the opportunity to be innovative and impact policies and structures that would affect our neediest students--my heart's passion.

Through this new position, I began to find my teacher voice.  That's what had been missing. I had convinced myself that I could not affect change in my school, district, and state because I was just a teacher. Sure, there were other teachers who felt like me, but what were we to do?  We weren't in a leadership position where we could do anything, right? Three years ago, that is what I thought. Now, I know better.  I am not "just a teacher". I am a teacher with a voice.

This fall I will be going back to full-time teaching. This time I am taking my teacher voice with me. If you like, follow my journey. Even better, begin your own. Discover your teacher voice. Use it.