Teachers: What made you become one?

[ziggystardust]

Did you always know? Did one thing decide it for you? What was it that made you decide to become a teacher?

 

[Cindy B]

Well, I'm still in process, does that count?
I knew since 1978 that I wanted to be a teacher. I had a terrible terrible 2nd grade teacher and I knew that even I, at 7 years old could do a better job. (That sounds nervy, doesn't it?)

In the past few years, after having my own children, my interest has increased in being a teacher.

I know I need to do special ed. I see the need, the job prospects and the few rewards, but I need to do that type of student population. As silly and idealistic it sounds, special ed calls to me.

Just yesterday, I had a very diffulcult student that came into the room screaming and stating I hate you, I hate you. (I was substituting in a high school). I could have just written him up and sent him to the office.I know this student doesn't handle change well. Instead I stated in a calm, patient voice I'm sorry that you feel that way, but we're here to work. He then retreated to his own space and worked. I left him alone and saw that he was being productive and let him be.

By the end of the class, I said to him "Lets call a truce" and went to shake hands. He shook my hand and gave me a hug and said sorry. This is from a high school junior.

I called that a victory. I also see victory when I see some other special ed/vocation students on the A/B honor roll. I see victory when kids start the year with a reading level of 4.2 and go to a 6.8 by the end of the year. I see victory when they aren't seen by thier peers as the "********" ones.

I'm not even certified yet and see victory.

 

[Marseeya]

I'm not a teacher yet, but I'm a semester of classes and a semester of student teaching away from my masters in secondary ed.

Two words for you.

Summers off!

But seriously, I've been going round and round with the idea of teaching since I graduated from high school (80s). I went back to college in 1996 and got my degree in English in 2000 with the intention of either going to law school or getting my masters in English.

My DS was having so many problems in school, both academically and behaviorally. I spent so much time being involved in his education and homeschooled him for a year because the school he was in was awful. Every time he had a problem with certain teachers, I'd think to myself, I can do better than this for these kids! so I decided to put my money where my mouth was and go ahead and DO BETTER for the kids.

Maybe I'm being idealistic, but I truly believe I can be a good teacher, and I want to teach kids who struggle with reading and writing. I want to be the kind of teacher that I feel my son deserved.

 

[Texan Mouseketeer]

I've always wanted to be a teacher - my parents said I would tell them that before I even started Kindergarten. So, that's what I did right out of college. I love it and wouldn't ever want to do anything else.

 

[QT Pooh]

I'm not a teacher, but wanted to thank all of you who are!!

 

[FutureAshleyDukes]

I am only one semester away, so I hope I somewhat count.
I originally went to school to become a Children's Minister. Later I realized I wanted to outreach to all children, and not just those in my church's congregation. I still talk to and love my third grade teacher dearly, and if I could affect one of my students they way she affected me I will deem my career a success.

 

[Glynis]

I taught High School English for 5 years before leaving to raise my children. Deciding to become a teacher was a combination of factors for me. I graduated from University with a Major in Theater Arts, and a Minor in English Literature. As I jokingly stated to DH, I was qualified to do absolutely nothing. Theater was out of the question as DH couldn't leave his job to follow me around from regional theater to regional theater. So, we sat and discussed my options. My favorite grandmother had been and English teacher in her youth, and I always admired her. I started the process to get a teaching certificate.

I enjoyed all of my time as a teacher. I never felt underappreciated, actually, quite the opposite. My principal kept "heaping" honors on me; Student Body advisor, Young Mother's advisor, Shakespeare club advisor. By the time I left, I was tired and ready for a change. Today I look at all the teachers and admire them for all they do. They are in a much tougher position than I was 9 years ago. Thank you all for what you do for our children.

 

[barkley]

i recall a kindergartener asking me this question (many years ago when i taught). before i could answer, another k student popped up with "because that way they still let her play on the playground toys"

 

[Wishing on a star]

Not a teacher here, but wanted to say that I enjoyed reading these thoughtful responses.

 

[Blondy876]

I've wanted to teach since Kindergarten. And now that I have been doing it for almost 10 years, I still love being a teacher. I have tough days but this is where my heart is.

 

[jimmiej]

I enjoyed being in the band so much, I became a band director! I decided my senior year in HS to study music in college, so my parents bought me a professional model saxophone. I still have it (and play it) to this day. Never regretted my decision to be a teacher. My HS band director inspired me with his love for jazz music. I can retire from teaching in 6.5 years if the state govt. doesn't raise the criteria between now and then (fingers crossed).

ETA: Our oldest DD is studying to be an elementary teacher. (proud parents)

 

[Boston Tea Party]

What was it that made you decide to become a teacher?

Maggie Zimmerman, 8th grade English.

She had so much fun every day that I wanted to be just like her!

Oh, and I wanted to be maligned on the DIS by the hoards of teacher-haters.

But mostly Ms. Zimmerman.

 

[Boston Tea Party]

I can retire from teaching in 6.5 years if the state govt. doesn't raise the criteria between now and then (fingers crossed).

From a fellow teacher in Texas, good luck with that!

PS GO UNICORNS!

 

[wdwgirl03]

I'm studying to become an elementary school teacher. I've always wanted to be a teacher. I love working with kids and I think it will be so rewarding!!

 

[Rock'n Robin]

My first quarter of college, majoring in public relations, I had an epiphany in one of my classes--I did NOT want to do that for the rest of my life, wearing suits in the summertime, etc. I switched to education that next quarter and never looked back. I always did well in the language arts areas (writing, reading, theatre) so I am certificated in English grades 7-12 with a minor in speech/theatre. Luckily I got my master's degree in secondary education before I had kids, because now the qualifications are all changed. Now no one can get a "permanent" certificate--but I got mine just before requirements changed so I don't have to go back and take any classes, although someday when money is more available I'd like to get an administrator's certificate. There are some real yahoo administrators around, mostly former coaches, and I know I could do a better job.
Plus summers off, good health insurance, and (hopefully) a good pension when I retire in 15 more years as I get my 35 years in.
Robin M.

 

[lissawynn]

I knew I was going to be a teacher from the time I was little. My grandmother taught for 42 years, and I think I liked the idea that I could do that, too. I also love my concentration area (English) and wanted to get kids excited about it.

 

[Teacher03]

I always wanted to be a teacher, but I don't know why! I went to college right out of high school and circumstances forced me to quit during my sophomore year. Long story short, I finally graduated 20 years later! I love teaching; I can't imagine doing anything else.

 

[JoyG]

"I don't want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don't want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed. You know, as a career, I don't want to do that."
-Say Anything



Seriously, the reason I became a teacher is because I knew that in order to live a fulfilled life I needed to feel like I was making a difference in the lives of other human beings...I couldn't just sit behind a desk, or work for the sake of earning money. As a teacher, I feel like my life has a purpose.

This is my 10th year as a 3rd grade teacher in the inner city.

As I got older, I really began to appreciate the schedules of teachers since now I have children. They are another thing that brings meaning to my life and I get to spend lots of time with them.

Joy

 

[jimmiej]

From a fellow teacher in Texas, good luck with that!

PS GO UNICORNS!

Hey, don't ruin my "fantasy" retirement plans, LOL! How am I going to go to work for WDW if I have to keep teaching?

 

[Deb & Bill]

I always wanted to be a teacher when I was a kid. During the summer, we would play school and I would be the teacher. So I got a degree in Elementary Education and taught first grade. I taught two years and started back to school part time. After two more years, I quit teaching and went back to school full time to become a Civil Engineer. I'm much happier as an Engineer than as a teacher.

I made $6784/year the first year I taught (in Texas at a higher rated school district). Course that was just over 30 years ago. Since that time, I went back to teach one more time (while I was working on a Master's degree full time) and remembered why I quit the first time. I taught Sunday School (second and third grade) for about ten years and haven't done that for the last three years. I'm still happier being an Engineer.