While it wasn’t totally clear in teacher education and preparation that each class was preparing one for an occupation and a career, it has become all the more clearer in recent years there is a major difference between Occupation and Vocation.

An Occupation is defined in Latin “to occupy a position” or to “fill a position”. While becoming a teacher was appealing to me, filling an occupation meant no more than occupying a classroom or space.

On the other hand, a Vocation as defined in the dictionary is an inner call or summons to perform. Since education is a multigenerational profession it requires not only a well defined curriculum but also an unparalleled passion and enthusiasm that can only come from one receiving a special calling or purpose.

One cannot call themselves an educator and simply fill in or occupy a space when it comes to opening doors to each child’s future. As a teacher:

*I must awaken each and every child’s creativity, curiosity and compassion for learning.

* I must create the best possible thinking so that my kids will believe there isn’t any goal that is not attainable.

* I must cultivate the character traits of respect and responsibility and help my students realize value driven lives will reap huge dividends now and in the future.

* I must assist my students to be generous with their compassion toward their families and one another.

* I must promote ethical communities where integrity and ethical forums define who we are and what we owe each other as human beings.

* I must instill in my students the power of perseverance and persistence in accomplishing everyday challenges.

* I must create in my students a heart of gratitude and appreciation for all the differences that make our world so unique.

* I must educate my children to never discredit, disrespect, or demean other human beings but rather strengthen and support our fellow classmates and friends.

I am honored to be an educator and spend my life in a vocation for future generations.

Gene Bedley

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