Over the past decade, a phrase created to motivate teachers has begun to take over schools across the country. Administrators immediately adopted this phrase for several reasons. It’s hard to argue with that. This appeals to the basic goodness of teachers. And most notably, it places the responsibility for motivation on teachers themselves, not administrators or senior leaders, to improve teachers’ working conditions. What is this expression? “Remember your ‘why’.”
What does “remember your “why”” mean?
“Remember your ‘why’” is encouragement via distraction.
The “why” is why you became a teacher. For some, it’s about changing their lives. To connect young people to a subject that fascinates you. Be the kind of teacher You necessary when you were young.
The idea is that if teachers simply remember and think about these true but sentimental reasons, they will persevere despite the difficulties of teaching. Is it good to stop and think about these fundamental motivations? Of course. However, some administrators misuse the phrase to shirk leadership responsibilities, ignore valid concerns, and refuse to engage with the reality of what teaching is in 2024.
This Reddit professor shared his experience with the offhand comment “remember your why” here:
“Currently sitting in a staff meeting and yes. Here it is. An educational video on how to know your “why” and then want us to share our why. Oh, and did I mention we’re about to go on strike because our district refuses to listen to its teachers? I want to throw a fucking brick at the wall. I knew you would all understand. So frustrating to be treated like children.
“Edit: After talking with colleagues and the many answers here, I realize that the reason this question is so frustrating is that we all already know why, but admins don’t really want to hear it and don’t let us know. don’t give then what. we need to support what why. This is turning into gaslighting. Actually, I love my job and my students and I clearly didn’t get into this for the pay. But that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t be paid. Or treated like a professional. Or it reminded me that I’m “here for the kids.” No shit. —Southern Magnolia12
Other teachers have shared their experiences on this thread:
We had to write an essay
“We had to write a whole essay on ‘What’s your why?’ » before the first day of school, which was complete bullshit**. Between meetings, a motivational speaker, and a Rah Rah staff pep rally to kick off the year, I had just under 6 hours to prepare my room for the first day of school. A lot of teachers didn’t write it, but I got put on the shit list last year, so I wrote a bunch of nonsense and turned it in. No return. I doubt the director even read it. —we_gon_ride
Because pizza evenings do not improve working conditions
“Did it come with a pizza party?” The admin gets bonus points for trying to bury things with a pizza party. —Are you okayBoy
Would you ask this question of other professionals?
“I have a litmus test to determine if you are treated like a professional: ‘Would you ask a room full of CPAs this question?’ Being asked “what is your why” fails so hard. You shouldn’t pay me to take care of you, you should pay me to raise the children. Asking me to think about my “why” is an indication and distraction from the real story: teachers are all exhausted because the conditions we work in are miles, miles, light years, and galaxies away from those necessary to actually work. educate children. » —not so difficult314
Everyone’s “why” is not a pretty answer
“That’s the kind of ‘why’ that administrators and the community want to hear. My “why” is that I’m stuck because after 13 years, it’s difficult to change careers without ruining yourself financially. The powers that be don’t want to hear that.” —Separate_result4620
Teaching is a profession
“Money. I can’t pay my bills with letters from alumni or with jeans.” —CynicalInRVA
We had to watch a singing “Remember your ‘why’”
“Did you have to watch the video where the guy sings?” Basic admins must account for 99% of the viewership for this video. —SheilaGirlface
What if I don’t know “why” I’m here?
“‘Why are you here?’ I don’t know. I ask myself that question in the parking lot every morning. —eukaryote3
There are many “whys” and not all of them are equally important.
“My whys, in order of importance to me: I have to pay rent and buy groceries, summers are off, teaching is the only history-related career I get with a BA in history, we are so understaffed that I’m basically invincible, there are about 2 kids in each of my classes who actually listen to what I have to say and understand why my class is important, and they give me an ounce of hope. —SovietMudkip_
Overthinking leads some people to burnout
“It’s dangerous to force myself to look inward for why I’m still doing this. I might realize that it’s no longer worth it. I might retire very soon, but I won’t be able to collect for a while. —well_uh_yeah
Because my mortgage lender doesn’t accept sentiments as payment
“Because my mortgage lender only accepts legal tender?” —Enigmamaught
It’s as if we are being asked to deny our reality.
“It’s gaslighting. They want us to feel bad for NOT making teaching our true identity. —Common_Apricot2491
Because so many things get in the way of my “why”.
“My WHY is to help the next generation have the means to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a better society. But what irritates me is that so many things get in the way of my “why.” These things are out of my control, hardly in the realm of administration (that they should prioritize PD) and society in general. Things like that children come to my classroom ready to learn, consider their efforts worthwhile, and have consistent consequences for the choices they make. —foomachoo
#mathjokes
“As a math teacher, I will share my y once you find x.” —GS2702
What would administrators say?
“‘Know Your Why’ – presented by administrators – people who left the classroom to make more money. That’s all you need to know about it. —Trixie_Lorraine
It’s code for something else
“‘Know your why’ is just code for ‘What non-monetary compensation are you considering to distract yourself from the lack of monetary compensation for this work?’ » –dinkleberg32
As we reflect (no pun intended) on these varied experiences shared by teachers, it becomes clear that the phrase “Remember Your Why” has morphed into something beyond its original intent. It has become a mantra used less to elevate than to circumvent the real problems plaguing educators today. While it is true that most of us entered this profession driven by a deep passion for teaching and making a difference, this does not negate the need for practical support, remuneration fairness and professional respect.
Let’s remember that while our “whys” are valid, they are NOT antidotes to systemic problems and burnout. In fact, it’s flirting with toxic positivity.
So, administrators, the next time you’re tempted to ask teachers their “why,” perhaps first ask yourself “how” you can support the dedicated professionals who face so many challenges in 2024.
