If Your “Why” Is All About You, It’s Time to Rethink

I didn’t come into education to find myself.

I didn’t do it to feel fulfilled or to relive the parts of childhood that felt unfinished. I didn’t do it for the summers, the schedule, or the chance to make a difference in one child’s life so I could tell a story about it later.

I came into education because I believe in all children. All families. All communities. And over the years, through teaching, leading, parenting, and serving in public schools, that belief has only grown stronger.

This work is hard. And it should be.

Public education is not designed to serve individuals; it exists to serve everyone. It’s an extrinsic system built on collective responsibility, shared values, and a relentless pursuit of equity. That means it will test your stamina. It will challenge your ego. It will stretch your heart, your calendar, and your patience.

So, if you’re here for an intrinsic reason, if your motivation is deeply personal, tied to your healing, narrative, or journey, you may want to pause.

Because your “why” has to be bigger than you.

My “why” boils down to one word: ALL.

• I show up because all students matter, not just the ones who remind me of myself.

• I advocate because all families deserve access, voice, and dignity—not just the ones who know how to ask.

• I lead because all educators deserve strong systems, clear vision, and meaningful support, not just those who agree with me.

• I stay because all means all, especially when inconvenient or uncomfortable.

If you're in this work, whether as a teacher, support staff, administrator, or board member, ask yourself honestly: Who are you here for? If the answer begins and ends with you, the system will expose that. And the students we’re all here to serve may pay the price.

Addor-ation Education helps leaders, educators, and communities build systems that center students—all students—and keep the focus where it belongs: on the collective good. On shared purpose. On deep, authentic service.

So what’s your why?

And, more importantly, does it make room for all?