By Danielle Kovach

As the school year begins, I would like to be open and honest about the teaching profession and clarify the things that did not cause me to embrace teaching.

I am not teaching to have my summers off. Teachers did not enact this century-old law, yet we are constantly criticized for a school year that is not within our control. The reality is, many need to work over the summer to make ends meet, and I am one of them.

I am not teaching for the money. I knew that I would never be a millionaire in my profession. The riches that I gain will never be monetary. However, as noble as teaching may be, it is not a charity. The salary that I earn is a reflection of my hard work and expertise.

I am not teaching for the health benefits and pension plans. However, I will strive to preserve benefits that were openly negotiated by the teachers and the state. These benefits were earned through my years of service as a public employee.

I am not teaching to the test. I am teaching to my students.

I am not teaching to be a scapegoat for our nation's problems. Our schools did not make children obese, underprivileged, disrespectful or bullies. I work with the hand that I am dealt and try to make it better.

I am not teaching to escape from the "real world." Every day, teachers deal with the burdens that our country has been facing: the economy, unemployment, terrorism and poverty. These are all reflected in the eyes of a child. And when I am holding the hand of a terrified 8-year-old during an active shooter drill in my classroom, I fully understand that it doesn't get any more real than that.

I am not teaching for me. Teaching is the only profession that affects every person across our nation. It is a great responsibility, but not one that can be done independently. Teachers need the support of administrators, parents, community members and government. This collaboration has been replaced with finger-pointing and name-calling.

Yet, I am still teaching. Here is why:

I am selfish. I selfishly take great pride in myself when I see a child succeed. I know that my passion, dedication and commitment to education are what help my students achieve, not just academically, but in all facets of life.

I am greedy. Each day, I expect more and more from my students because I want to see them reach their fullest potential.

I am paid to breathe. With every breath that I take, I know that I am making a profound impact on the lives of each and every one of my students.

Why? Because ... I am a teacher.

Danielle Kovach, a third-grade special education teacher in Hopatcong, is the 2010-11 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year.