Why I teach

Growing up in the ‘70s and ‘80s, my friends and I mostly thought of careers that our parents had. So when college graduation came, it was only natural that I’d go into law, since that was what my father and grandfather did. But after six years of practicing in Brooklyn, I remained unfulfilled.

And though I was making a good living and helping people, with my dad about to retire and the keys to the firm ready to be handed over to me, I had to make a decision — should I stay or should I go?

With The Clash’s song in my head, my instincts kicked in. I needed a change and this was my opportunity.

Having the conversation with my father wasn’t as difficult as I had imagined it to be. I informed him that I applied to the NYC Teaching Fellows program, but didn’t know what to expect. He was in full support and told me he knew I’d figure out the rest — which I did.

That spring, while simultaneously taking evening education courses in Queens and being a father to three children under the age of 6, I kickstarted my education journey in a classroom full of 33 bright, energetic and compassionate fifth graders. And I haven’t looked back.

I chose the teaching profession because it allowed me to be my authentic self. And anyone who knows me knows I’m a creative soul. Integrating my love of civics and rapping, I have been able to implement this subject wherever I’ve taught and however my imagination dreamed it. Whether arranging courtroom trips, conducting mock debates, holding student town meetings, or rapping new lyrics about civil rights, I became an educator to electrify the student community in ways I never felt existed when I was in school.

Yet, 18 years, six schools, and 12 grades later, I stay in education because of the vision, encouragement, and flexibility my school administrators have provided me. As I’ve gone further into my career, it’s become so much more evident to me that teachers’ voices need to be heard. And no school administration embodies that more than my own — Principal Dana Raciunas (now retired) and Interim Acting Principal Eva Cieloszyk.

Although we all know it takes a village to raise a child, it takes the village to say “yes” first to the ideas put forth by its citizens. My administrators are quick to say yes to any ideas that engage the school community and enhance students’ experiences. Especially as a civics teacher, I appreciate that.