We asked our Educators Rising students what motivates them to come to school each day, what they think keeps some students from coming to school, and how they’ll encourage students to come to school when they become teachers.
Connections and support
From my earliest days in prekindergarten to my current experience as a second-year college student, one thing has remained constant: The relationships and connections I’ve built have always been the driving force behind my excitement to attend school. The most influential relationships in my educational journey have undoubtedly been those I’ve shared with my teachers. Knowing that they believe in me, often more than I believe in myself, has been a powerful motivator. My teachers have shown unwavering commitment, coming to work every day to advocate for the success of my peers and me. My favorite teacher, in particular, did not earn that distinction by simply teaching from a textbook. She demonstrated love, patience, and a deep understanding of what it means to be a good person. Her investment in my personal growth extended far beyond academics, shaping the way I view success and compassion.
Unfortunately, I believe that many students struggle to attend school regularly because they don’t feel supported or valued. When students feel disconnected or believe that no one is truly rooting for them, it becomes difficult to find motivation. As a future educator, I am committed to building meaningful relationships with my students. I want to create an environment where each student knows they are seen, heard, and supported — because when students feel genuinely cared for, they are far more likely to show up and thrive.
Journey Elizabeth Harris
Sophomore
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, Texas
Growing relationships
What makes me come to school is the opportunity to socialize and seeing the teacher and student relationships that are being built. It’s always fascinating to see the connection grow. I believe what keeps students from coming to school is waking up early and not making that certain connection with teachers — or at least not just yet.
When I become a teacher, I would encourage students to come to class by making sure they have a comfortable environment, where they interact and engage in discussions for the benefit of their future rather than listening to lectures for an extended period of time.
Luna Chavez
12th grade
Phoenixville Area High School
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
A space for friendship and growth
My motivation for coming to school always came from my friends and teachers. Coming to school meant I got to learn and socialize — two of the things I enjoy the most! Many students don’t feel connected at school for myriad reasons, despite the continued efforts of many teachers.
When I become a teacher, I want to ensure that my classroom is a safe and comfortable space for friendships, learning, and growth for all my students. Not every child comes from a good background, so I want to connect with my students and make it known that I am always there to rely on, even if the other things in their lives aren’t consistently reliable.
Kids are constantly learning and growing; they deserve a safe space and unfailing love and support throughout their academic journey. Every child and student should have that sense of security and happiness at school no matter what that takes or what meeting their needs looks like. Supported and confident kids lead to real results and real-world change in and out of the classroom.
Ivy Grace Smith
Freshman
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa
Always something to learn
I want to come to school each day because every day there is something new and exciting happening. Although it might seem boring at times, you always learn at least one interesting fact each day. Some students decide not to come to school because they focus so much on the classes they don’t like. They lose sight of the fact that there are classes and activities that they do enjoy. When I am a teacher, I will try to make every day exciting by doing different activities each day, so students want to come to school instead of just coming because that’s what their parents say they have to do.
Chloe Myers
12th grade
Phoenixville Area High School
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Active learning
I’m motivated to come to school each day because of all the fun labs and activities my teachers do in class. I like the novelty of it. I think students might not want to come to school because they aren’t involved in things. Because of that, they see school as more boring than it really is. As a teacher, I would encourage engagement and active participation so that my students better learn concepts and have things to look forward to in class.
Christine Amalraj
12th grade
Phoenixville Area High School
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Students’ needs matter
All students deserve an education, and it is an educator’s job to make sure they get one. When I start working in the education field, I will do everything I can to make my students want to come to school. I would make sure there is breakfast available to them because food is essential to starting the day right. I would make sure my students know they can talk to me, and I would work with them when they are having a bad day, and they do not want to be at school.
I will also make sure I talk to my students directly and ask them what they need. Students can teach you how to teach, so it is important to take advantage of their insights. Listening to your students and working to make each class work for that group is the best way to make your students want to come to school.
Sophia Puleo
12th grade
Phoenixville Area High School
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Positive and negative experiences
The desire to attend school each day is often fueled by a combination of factors, like engaging learning and positive social interaction with peers and support from teachers. Factors like feeling overwhelmed by coursework, personal challenges at home, or a negative social experience can deter students from coming to school. Fostering a welcoming learning environment, offering personalized support, and actively engaging students in their education can encourage consistent attendance at school.
Malika Marshall
12th grade
Cleburne High School
Cleburne, Texas
This article appears in the November 2024 issue of Kappan, Vol. 106, No. 3, p. 58-59.
