Welcome to our reflection on teacher identity! Explore the different roles (hats) we wear in the classroom. Post your thoughts in each column and engage with your classmates! by Anna Hernandez

Cool, Understanding, and Kind

2025-07-09 01:50:19 UTC

I usually play the role of a cool, understanding, and kind teacher. And also relationship counselor or life counselor.

Mom, counselor and teacher

2025-07-09 01:50:30 UTC

2025-07-09 01:50:35 UTC

I often find myself stepping into the role of counselor more than I ever expected.

The Feeling

2025-07-09 01:51:10 UTC

Natural and sometimes draining.

Actor

mmangold13 — 2025-07-09 01:51:20 UTC

Pretending I was feeling excited or genuinely enthused about a subject that was not interesting, and group of students that was not motivated.

Mom came natural but counseling could be draining because some the kids shared more than I wanted to know.

2025-07-09 01:51:25 UTC

Roles as a teacher

norace79 — 2025-07-09 01:51:39 UTC

I've been an educator, a counselor, a second mom, translator, planner. I'm always energetic

2025-07-09 01:51:43 UTC

It makes me feel like I am making a difference for them. It can be draining because I may take some of that home, but I think it's important to do

I guess that I am nurturing

2025-07-09 01:51:44 UTC

2025-07-09 01:52:26 UTC

I realize teaching isn’t just about academics, it’s about nurturing the child as a whole.

Feeling - Draining

mmangold13 — 2025-07-09 01:52:41 UTC

It is physically and emotionally draining to try and get students excited about a subject they have absolutely no interest in - in spite of trying to incorporate engaging activities and trying to build community.

What does it mean about me?

2025-07-09 01:53:21 UTC

Maybe I am seen as a father/slash big brother figure sometimes and at other times a cool friend.

norace79 — 2025-07-09 01:53:29 UTC

It was emotionally draining sometimes. I felt sometimes I gave it all at school and would be exhausted by the time I got home.

My identity as a teacher? Part Mom?

mmangold13 — 2025-07-09 01:53:50 UTC

I always put my students first. Above my family, my health, my anything. Some students appreciate my hard work, others are completely apathetic.