Why I Became a Teacher
August 14, 2020
Jennifer Paolantonio (RI '19)
"From a young age, I always loved being with children. I was drawn to the idea that a career in teaching would provide me the opportunity to be surrounded by children and have a chance to make a positive impact on their lives. I knew teaching was the only career choice for me—in fact, it was more of a calling than a choice. Having a role in helping children grow and become the best version of themselves has always been an ambition of mine. There is no other job more rewarding than the work I do each day.
"An integral factor to wanting to teach was to make connections with students. For me, teaching has always been about making connections with students, whether at the elementary or high school level. You are never too young or too old to feel as though you mean something to someone. I want to be that person for my students, the person that makes sure they know their worth. I want to be a teacher who students know cares for them and is invested in their success, not just in my classroom, but in life. To me, teaching has always been a tremendous platform to engage in meaningful conversations with students that go beyond curriculum and textbooks."
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