Children Quote by Esmé Raji Codell
““Mr. Turner gets mad when I say, “I don’t work for you, I work for the children.” But it’s true. Isn’t it? I’ll find out when I get fired, I guess.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Teaching with Passion, 2015
A teacher confronts a colleague’s selfish motives, highlighting the tension between personal ambition and genuine care for children.
In simple terms: Balancing personal ambition with caring for children is hard.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize children’s needs over personal gain.
Themes
education
ethics
power dynamics
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
advice
ethical
When to use this quote
- classroom leadership
- policy decisions
- career crossroads
Key Concepts
motivation
altruism
self‑interest
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure your actions serve the children, not yourself?
- What safeguards can prevent ego‑driven decisions in education?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest can undermine genuine commitment to students.
