teachers: Why do you love teaching?

[Snow White]

I am in such a mess! I have been accepted to nursing school for the fall, but I just keep thinking I still want to be a teacher arrrgh! In Oklahoma the pay pretty much stinks for teachers, and there is much more job security in nursing, but for some reason, I keep flip flopping on this decision!! Teachers can you tell me WHY you love what you do? Do you recommend this as a 2nd career (I'm 38)? Thanks for your help!

 

[Mich Mouse]

Why do I love teaching? Why July and August, of course. Just Kidding......

I teach special education in a high that aims to prepare learning disabled students to make successful transitions from school to adult life. For many of my students, school has been a punitive place where they often feel "less than" their peers without disabilities. Self-esteem can be very low amongst special needs students. I love being able to create positive experiences for my students, and watching them attain their goals. There is no better job in the world for me. I go to work every day feeling that I can make a difference....that I can inspire and encourage! It is an unbelievable feeling.

Also, I am a mom, so the school schedule allows me to be home during vacations...

And, every September, my job is "new" again.

Good Luck with your decision....Nursing is an admirable and noble field. Which ever decision you make, you will be making a difference in the lives of others!

 

[Mich Mouse]

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[Mich Mouse]

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[Mich Mouse]

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[Mich Mouse]

I am not sure why, but my post went up multiple times...Tried to delete it but was not allowed to do so.

Sorry, all I could do was edit/erase.

Again, Good Luck with your decision....

 

[Sonya]

Hmmm, I can't say I recommend for anyone to go into teaching, but it seems like you might be one of the ones you just can't keep away, and that's a good thing.

I like the time off of course. I like the snow days when I don't have to get out into the mess.

I like how every year it's different students but I hate teaching the same thing over and over.

I like how I'm my own boss so to speak. I'm in control (I hope) of my classroom and can do what I deem necessary.

For us at high school everything changes about every hour.

THe kids can be pretty funny sometimes. Of course the opposite is true too!

 

[mickey65]

When I was a kid I thought you had to be so smart to be a teacher. In my eyes teachers knew everything. I wanted to be a teacher but I figured I was not smart enough. Then I realized that teaching is not about being smart and it is not about knowing 'everything' Teaching is about learning. So I became a teaher.
I love teaching because my kids teach me. I may 'instruct' them, but we 'learn' together. We make mistakes together, we laugh together, we cry together. I love teaching because it is about real life. I can have the best lesson all layed out, and something happens to get us off the 'planned' track......maybe a student asks a question that opens up a whole new area for the kids to get into a discussion........we share together, we learn new things and we expand our thinking. I love teaching because it enriches my life, the kids make a difference in my life, and hopefully I make some in theirs too. Kids are at a point where they are not 'clogged down' with life.....they know the secrets to life that adults have forgotten...play fair, be nice to each other, stuff like that.
With teaching , each day is new and fresh. This year I am teaching grade 6. I first thought I would not like it, but it has turned out to be such a good year. I love my kids, I can joke with them and have fun, but we all know when it is time to do work too. We don't always have a perfect day...........but we always begin and end the day with a smile and a positive note.

 

[Danauk]

I think mickey65 has pretty much summed it up. This year I teach 7 year olds in England and love it. They can be so sweet and say the nicest things and when they have been struggling with a concept and they finally understand it the feeling is great. Also knowing you have made a big difference to young peoples lives and helped them to reach their goals is amazing. Teaching is an excellent job, yes the hours are long (a lot longer than what people think) and we sometimes have days when the kids are not exactly angels but it is worth it IMHO.
We have teachers in our school who started their career after they were 35 and they love their new jobs. If you really want to teach, go for it.

 

[Cindy B]

At this rate I will be in my late 30's, early 40's when I begin cerrtified teaching as well.

Currently, I am an assistant, and an occasional substitute. I love working with children, although I have say middle school children are an entirely different animal.!

I love learning, and watching the student get concepts. I am so excited to teach reading (resource room), and language arts! I love when the kids start at 3 3.5 grade reading level (at 6th grade), to now being at a 5.6 GR ! (still at 6th grade!)