[Ask an Educator] When do you officially become a teacher?

Teacher appreciation should be celebrated every single day. Teachers are amazing; they’re the best people we know, and so many of them have amazing stories to share. We are celebrating our amazing network of educators on Facebook and Twitter and their educator journeys in the classroom! We recently asked you to tell us: What was the moment you knew you were officially a teacher?

Over 70 educators responded! Here were just a few of our favorite moments:

That first readaloud

When I read my first read aloud on the first day of school. It was a book my mom had given me.

— Melissa Darrow, NBCT (@MelissaDarrow) May 20, 2022

When the door closes behind you

I realized on my very first day when the principal introduced me to my class and then left, shutting the door behind him. I was replacing a teacher who left after Christmas break. I was clueless! The kids were patient with me & I figured it all out. I'll never forget that class.

— SandraInSecond (@sandrain2nd) May 18, 2022

When the responsibilities sink in

First year teaching in SPED resource room. We had to hunker down for a while bc of severe storms. One of my kids sang Wanted Dead Or Alive and while we laughed and sang along the reality of the responsibilities I held really hit me.

— Scarlett Rue (@Lsnow8474Rue) May 18, 2022

When you get your first reference

At the end of my internship, the "behavior problem" child slipped me a note, separate from the other kids' cards. It said, "Miss Lawhon is a great teacher" with a drawing of us holding hands. It is STILL in my teaching portfolio as a letter of reference!  pic.twitter.com/65HZcKREkY

— Nicole Lawhon (@MissLawhon) May 18, 2022

When the classroom decoration bug bites

The first time I sat in my very first classroom wondering how it should be set up and decorated.

— Kristen (@CaffeinateTeach) May 19, 2022

Greeting parents for the first time

22 Years old in my first classroom in Grove Hill, Alabama. We had an open house before school started.

Shaking hands, greeting parents and being referred to Mr. Cooper in my own classroom. It was a surreal feeling, I'm 29 now. pic.twitter.com/kJOpxDBSF3

— John Cooper (@Coach___Cooper) May 18, 2022

Using your teacher voice at home

Hmm, that was 25 years ago. What stands out is when my boyfriend (now husband) told me I was using my teacher voice with him.

— Leslie Mohlman (@lmohlman) May 19, 2022

Grading with the good pens

When I graded my first test with my special colored pens  pic.twitter.com/DrXr0RZhB3

— Ashley (@PlanterAsh) May 16, 2022

The EZGrader!

When my mentor teacher gave me my own EzGrader!! pic.twitter.com/fG5pbHtT4C

— Jennifer Carroll (@JenRuralEd) May 19, 2022

When someone tells you that you’ve changed their life

My first year teaching 8th grade Theatre. I had a student who was extremely shy and timid. She auditioned for the lead role and got it. Her performance was amazing she surprise her peers and teachers with her talent! She told me I changed her life.

— Karlie (@misskarliehunni) May 17, 2022

When it really sinks in on the last day of the year

When I cried because it was the last day and they were leaving me.

— Kathleen Walter (@Kat_teaches3) May 18, 2022

Thank you to all the amazing teachers out there! Looking for more awesome educator moments? Check out this blog: [Ask an Educator] Teachers Share Their Favorite Classroom Read Alouds!