When Former Students Knock: The Quiet Moments That Keep Teachers Going

Standing at the crossroads of burnout and belief, many educators quietly ask themselves a hard question: “Can I really do this for a lifetime?” On the toughest days, the answer does not come from test scores, evaluation rubrics, or policy memos- it arrives in the form of a former student who stops by to say “you changed my life,” a colleague who shares a small victory from a mentoring program, or a policy meeting where a single teacher voice shifts the conversation toward equity. This piece explores those moments- the unexpected echoes of our work, the power of community connection, and the surprising role of advocacy- in restoring purpose and reminding us why staying in education still matters.

Finding Purpose Through Student Impact

With so many challenges to face in the world of education, I often reflect if this will stay my chosen career path for my lifetime. When I am in this period of reflection, I think of the teachers that impacted my life and the lessons I learned from them beyond subject matter. I also have a sweet memory of two of my former students coming back to talk with me at length about how their lives are going in college and sharing with me how I positively impacted their life. It is so motivating to get to be in the role of the encouraging influencer the way my mentors were to me.

Moments like these serve as a powerful reminder of why I chose education in the first place. When students return years later to express gratitude or share their growth, it reinforces the long-term value of what we do daily. These interactions are not isolated. According to a study by the Learning Policy Institute, teacher effectiveness has a long-lasting impact on student outcomes, influencing not only academic achievement but also life trajectories such as college attendance and career readiness.¹ Knowing this, I am reminded that even during difficult periods, the work we do has echoes that extend far beyond the classroom and club meetings.

Overcoming Obstacles Through Community Connection

One particular moment that renewed my sense of purpose happened during a district-wide professional development day. I was feeling burnt out, worn down by administrative responsibilities and the pressure of high standards. During a breakout session, a colleague shared how a peer mentori