Monday Mush -- Rufo Style

From time to time I love having others write our mush!  Thank you Ms. Rufo for offering to do so.  There are some great reminders in there, and I loved the video at the bottom!   (And, if anyone else ever wants to write one or share your thoughts, I am certainly happy to have you do so!)

Happy Reading and Happy Monday!

Why Did You Become a Teacher?  By Jamie Rufo

Why did you become a teacher? Why did you on purpose, after FINALLY getting out of school.... COME BACK!!??

For me, it's an ego thing. I actually think that what I do MATTERS. I think I MATTER to the kids I get to share a small space with. They grow up, some remember me, some don't. But you can't ever convince me otherwise. I need these kids as much as they need me because I need to do something with my life that matters.

Ask yourself why you do what you do. Is your heart in it? Do you love it? Have you lost your passion and would rather be elsewhere?? What motivates you?

Every year I'm a different teacher. I learn from my mistakes- and man do I make them. (sometimes more than once). But every year I'm better. I'm stronger. I'm more motivated to get out of my comfort zone and meet that maybe not so lovable, challenging kid where THEY ARE, instead of where I am. THOSE kids... Make us better. They make what you do MATTER. 

I had a special young man hold my hand today and tell me that some adults in his life didn't believe him. What a bold statement. 

BELIEVE in your kids. See beyond those eye rolls and short comings. See potential in the ones that don't care. Be that one person that believes them and believes IN them. Because what you do MATTERS!!

Enjoy this video below. I had the honor of hearing Ms. Ooey Gooey herself speak a few years ago, and she's all about kids. 

I just love kids....well then you haven't met enough! LOL

Thanks!

Jamie Rufo

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjS2FdUrFPI&feature=youtube_gdata_player