What it Means to Teach With Purpose

At University City Children’s Center, we are mission-driven leaders in early childhood education. Our diverse staff is made up of teachers who teach with purpose, chefs who cook with purpose and administrators who lead with purpose. This shared purpose is built on Trust, Empathy, Compassion, Love and Joy. We believe that teaching with purpose enriches the teacher as much as the student as they learn to individualize and evolve their teaching style. It’s what makes teaching with purpose fulfilling.

Learning Happens in Relationships

Studies show positive student-teacher relationships are central to a child’s development. It is in relationship that young minds are open to learning. Children who have a secure relationship with their teachers welcome the classroom as a place to explore and grow. As a trusted emotional partner, teachers demonstrate empathy, compassion, love and joy — each value is presented, practiced and learned by a living example.

In relationships, students are able to develop a strong sense of identity and belonging, enabling them to forge positive relationships with classmates, their families and the wider community. In relationships, teachers not only impact children, but also improve themselves on professional and personal levels.

All Behavior Has Meaning

Recognizing that everyone brings their own personal stories and cultural identity to the classroom increases empathy and decreases biases. It is foundational to initiating meaningful conversations and understanding that all behavior has meaning. 

“We cultivate positive relationships with students through being present, while connecting with them individually and enriching relationships. We connect with them through conversation, dialogue and exploration. To teach with purpose is to respond to the heads, the hearts and the souls of our children and families.” — Steve Zwolak, UCCC founder

Teachers who strive for ruthless compassion are the ones who intentionally endeavor to understand the meaning behind their students’ behaviors over traditional discipline. Counterintuitively, this approach enriches the teacher as much as the student while they learn to individualize and evolve their teaching style.

What Happens Early in Life, Lasts a Lifetime

With the most-significant brain development occurring by age five, the power to change society lies in changing the way young children are taught. Preparing young children for kindergarten and life improves their high school and college graduation rates, positions them for higher per capita earnings and improves their physical and mental health. 

According to Zwolak, early childhood education is at its most interesting, challenging place in history. It’s time to elevate the profession of early childhood education by braiding it together with key principles in mental health. 

“People are beginning to understand that what happens early in life, lasts a lifetime. Our vision is for all children to be prepared for life, and we do that by teaching with purpose.” — Steve Zwolak

Teach with Purpose 

We invite you to take the next step in a fulfilling career. Join a community that cares deeply about children and their education. Teach with purpose at University City Children’s Center and LUME Institute. Questions about working at UCCC or LUME Institute? Contact Laura Millkamp.