Milton lived out everyone else’s dream for him. At age 22, he had obtained his chemical engineering degree, and he was set on taking everyone else’s next best step for his life: medical school. But then, it happened. One summer Sunday, while Milton was engaged in a rigorous medical school orientation program, he had an epiphany—a breakthrough of sorts that came as a product of deep prayer and self-reflection. Milton finally took note of the patterns that filled his life up until that point in time. He realized that God had given him a passion—a calling for teaching and mentoring youth. On that particular Sunday, Milton walked and explored the south sector of his neighborhood an encountered a large sign in front of a school. The sign read Big Picture High School. At that moment, he recounted hearing the voice of God saying in his heart: “Do you see the big picture now?” Milton then knew what he had to do. He heeded that voice and dropped out of medical school to become a teacher.

Milton is now Dr. Milton Nettles, Ed.D., and he serves as Assistant Principal at a local high school within Williamson County Schools (TN). He feels an overwhelming sense of gratitude, faith, and realization to have chosen this path for his life. He learned to look at his students through what he calls “the lenses of grace”—students like Jamie, who had left home at age 14 and was now under DCS custody after serving a period of time in juvenile detention. Like so many others, Jamie wanted to do it right, but it was so hard. Dr. Nettles met Jamie where he was, encouraged him, and walked with him. Jamie improved in his academics and even got a job! Jamie has always been a gifted child just waiting to be revealed.

“The root of education is love, and teaching must always be student-centered. We tend to forget that because of various pressures within today’s educational climate. We must continuously create opportunities for young people and give them the chance to explore and develop their passions. Education takes ‘a village mentality.’ Not one teacher should ride it alone. The sacred profession of teaching is both hard work and heart work. We invest time and energy to help young people realize and reach their fullest potential. Even if we only impact one student in our lifetime, that one student and the trajectory of his or her life is worth it.” – Dr. Milton Nettles.

Dr. Nettles is a real Einstein’s Teacher because he can see beyond each child’s circumstances and current limitations. He can see the genius within each learner and know that education is the way to bring forth this genius within. Learn more when you get your copy of Becoming Einstein’s Teacher: Awakening the Genius in Your Students.

Like Dr. Nettles, I am grateful for the many teachers out there today who are committed to fostering human potential. Here is my why. What's yours?