As an education major, I have heard countless times that "just being a teacher" is not good enough. Some people say I have so much more potential, and that with my grades I should pursue a "harder major." That I should do something "more challenging" with my life. That my degree in Early Childhood Education will be a "waste." As time has passed, I have come to realize the truth that being "just a teacher" isn't good enough, but not for the reasons you would think.

Being "just a teacher" isn't good enough because children need so much more than simply being taught in a classroom.

Kids need so much more than just another teacher. They need someone to love them unconditionally. They need to feel respected, and that they matter. A teacher who doesn't make every single one of their students feel important isn't doing their job right.

They need someone who understands their desire for play and having fun. They need someone who will pay attention and show interest when they want to share something. They need someone who is a good listener. They need someone that they feel like is there for them.

They need someone who sets a good example for them of how to live and how to treat others. They need someone who understands the importance of forgiveness. They need someone who will give them hugs.

They need second chances, and encouragement that it is okay to make mistakes. They need reminding that they should always try again. They need someone to help them set goals for the future.

They need someone who will trust them. They need to be told yes, but also to be told no when the time is right. They need affection. They need guidance and advice from someone other than their parents, or whoever it is that they live with.

They need someone to believe in them, and help them to blossom. They need a teacher.