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10 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | AUGUST 2026 By Janet Boyce, Resident Teaching is a labor of love. No one goes into this profession for money. Many think that anyone can teach until they try it firsthand and typically quit after about three years. The two primary characteristics that a teacher must have, in order to stay in the profession, are patience and flexibility. No two days are the same, and that is nice for a daily job. Most of your answers to questions and daily determinations are done while on your feet, directing activities. There is no downtime: when you're on — you're on! The best part of teaching is how creative it can be, and how your influence can make a difference in your students' lives. Teaching is more of an art than it is a science, because teachers do much more than simply giving information. They create, inspire, and adapt. With creativity, teachers often present ideas in interesting and imaginative ways, so that students understand and stay engaged. Like an artist choosing colors, a teacher chooses methods, stories, and examples. Teaching can involve voice, movement, humor, storytelling, and emotion. A progressive classroom often feels a little like a stage performance. Just as artists have unique styles, teachers develop their own way of teaching. One may be warm and humorous, whereas another is structured and analytical. Both styles can be effective. Teachers help shape minds, confidence, skills, and curiosity over time. No two students are exactly alike, so a skilled teacher adjusts lessons for different personalities and learning styles, much like an artist who shapes raw materials into something meaningful as they refine a piece of work. Great art can move people emotionally. Great teaching can spark a lifelong love of learning and change the direction of a person's life for the better. In summary, teaching is an art because it requires creativity, patience, and the ability to inspire growth for unique individuals. My career in teaching in grades K-8th was a wonderful experience, and now I miss the students! The Art of Teaching