I’ll be honest --- when I read the blog prompt for today I decided to skip today’s blog. I didn’t know how to be honest without being negative. Later, as I was driving home from school, I crafted a sarcastic blog in my head. But I didn’t want those remarks published, either. Let’s try this:
Why do you want to be a teacher? Really --- think about that awhile before you answer. Have you spent a day or part of a day with a teacher? You should. Ask questions. Lots of questions.
I graduated college in 1992 as an accountant with a starting salary of $33,000. I graduated college with a Masters degree 16 years later, as a teacher, with a starting salary of $27,000. Harsh reality. I work a part-time job to make ends meet. Why do you want to be a teacher? It has to be a passion because it will not be an easy career path. Do you think the hours will be good for a family? Depends. Can you handle the negative public perception of teaching? Many non-teachers you know will think they can do your job better than you. Politicians are convinced they need to pass more legislation about your career. If you are from Illinois, you realize that you may never see the money you are required to contribute to the pension system every paycheck. You will spend an absurd amount of time giving standardized tests to your students, even though YOU know your students are so much more than a test score.
But here I am --- a teacher. I absolutely love teaching. I love walking into my old, brick building everyday. I love the challenge of helping struggling students find their way through our math curriculum. I love the challenge of finding a way to make them understand. In my spare time, I read books, research articles, and blogs to help me become a better teacher. I love being there when they light up because they “get it.” I am glad I am there with comforting and encouraging words (and sometimes hugs) when they are sad or frustrated. I love spending my days with youth --- I feed off their energy and enthusiasm.
I have a friend who used to be a teacher, but now is a minster. He told me that teaching is a calling, much like ministry.
So you want to be a teacher? Do your homework. And jump in the deep water.
Why do you want to be a teacher? Really --- think about that awhile before you answer. Have you spent a day or part of a day with a teacher? You should. Ask questions. Lots of questions.
I graduated college in 1992 as an accountant with a starting salary of $33,000. I graduated college with a Masters degree 16 years later, as a teacher, with a starting salary of $27,000. Harsh reality. I work a part-time job to make ends meet. Why do you want to be a teacher? It has to be a passion because it will not be an easy career path. Do you think the hours will be good for a family? Depends. Can you handle the negative public perception of teaching? Many non-teachers you know will think they can do your job better than you. Politicians are convinced they need to pass more legislation about your career. If you are from Illinois, you realize that you may never see the money you are required to contribute to the pension system every paycheck. You will spend an absurd amount of time giving standardized tests to your students, even though YOU know your students are so much more than a test score.
But here I am --- a teacher. I absolutely love teaching. I love walking into my old, brick building everyday. I love the challenge of helping struggling students find their way through our math curriculum. I love the challenge of finding a way to make them understand. In my spare time, I read books, research articles, and blogs to help me become a better teacher. I love being there when they light up because they “get it.” I am glad I am there with comforting and encouraging words (and sometimes hugs) when they are sad or frustrated. I love spending my days with youth --- I feed off their energy and enthusiasm.
I have a friend who used to be a teacher, but now is a minster. He told me that teaching is a calling, much like ministry.
So you want to be a teacher? Do your homework. And jump in the deep water.