Why I Educate: College of Education Alumna On Her Choice to Teach

We’re highlighting the accomplishments of College of Education alumni and learning more about why they choose to educate.

Maryam Khan is a 2013 Elementary Education graduate and a second grade teacher at Wiley International Studies Magnet Elementary School in Wake County.

Here’s what Maryam had to say about her dedication to elementary education.

When did you know that you wanted to be an educator? What was your aha-moment?

When I was in 5th grade, I knew I wanted to be an elementary school teacher.

That year my student teacher, Ms. Flowers, showed me the love and care that a teacher shows to his/her students. I will never forget how she made me feel as a student and a new girl to both the elementary school and the state!

It was that year that I made my decision to become a teacher and change the lives of children just the way my student teacher did for me.

What continuously motivates you to teach?

The smiles, the hugs, the “I GET IT NOW!” or ” MS. KHAN, I JUST DID THAT MYSELF!!!” screams, and the handmade cards.

This is what keeps me in this profession, and this is why I come to school every day. There’s no other profession that will make you feel as good as teaching does!

What has been your most rewarding moment or success as a teacher?

This video says it all.

I was completely overjoyed to find out that a student I taught my first year of teaching remembered me a year later even though she goes to a different school and hadn’t seen me in 12 months! I know I’m doing my job well when something like this happens!