Teaching is one of the most rewarding things a person can do. It is not a job that just anyone can do. It requires a ton of patience, empathy, cooperation, and discipline. Others may look down on the profession because of the salary, and yes that is a huge factor. However, there are so many more reasons to be a teacher than to not be a teacher, so here are a few.
- You get to spend your day with kids!
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This situation only applies to people who really enjoy spending time with kids. For the most part, you are the only adult in the room, and you are responsible for about 20 little lives. That may seem intimidating, but once you’ve got your routines and rules down, managing 20 kids would not be too difficult. Kids are so innocent and the things that come out of their mouths are so funny. They can be silly, but also insightful. Adults just don’t give kids enough credit. They’re pretty awesome.
- You are never alone
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Even if you feel like you have to take care of and teach a group of kids all by yourself, that’s never really the case. Teachers have every single other person on the staff to go to if they ever have a problem or a question. Teachers collaborate on lesson plans, make plans with other teachers, and create bonds with the staff and administration. There is always someone to go to when you need it, which I think creates a great sense of community within a school. It makes actually starting to teach less intimidating when you realize you don’t have to rely on yourself entirely.
- You learn accountability on the job
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One of the most important things a teacher should do is be responsible and hold themselves accountable. Teachers have to figure out what works for their students and admit when things don’t work. You learn how to be flexible and make hundreds of micro-decisions a minute. You are constantly adjusting lesson plans and ideas while also growing in your professional development! You learn so much as a teacher which is weird to say because your students are the ones learning from you, but you are learning from them just as much! I just think that’s the coolest thing.
- You are changing lives!
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A lot of people don’t realize how many other hats a teacher wears. Sometimes they have to be a parent, a counselor, a nurse, a therapist, a friend, or even a lawyer in the classroom. Students come from all different backgrounds and walks of life, and more often than not they are lacking something essential that teachers can maybe provide. You could potentially save a child’s life during your career. You can settle hundreds of arguments with peers, fix their wounds with Band-aids, talk to them about how they are feeling, and provide them with all the necessary resources they need to succeed. Truly dedicated teachers can do it all! To me, this does not seem overwhelming, it seems like a privilege to be able to be that person for a child.
These are obviously just some of the reasons teaching really is worth it. There are so many more! The money will not matter to you at the end of the day if you are truly doing something that you love and something that provides joy and fulfillment.