Why did you become a teacher???

Please share

To me...this seemed like a tough question to answer when asked last week at a grad school interview. I finally got it out but I stumbled over the "I love working with kids" and "I want to make a difference in the lives of children". I felt like a freak!

Re: Why did you become a teacher???

Honestly? I don't know if I'd have had this answer before I started teaching, but I've since learned that it's the most rewarding job I could ever imagine. It's so much more than just imparting knowledge. It's making a difference in the truest sense of the word. It's a chance to be a positive role model for kids who might not have that. It's a chance to open up horizons that kids might not experience anywhere else. Basically, it's the best job I could ever imagine.

Can you tell I love being a teacher? I hope this helps.

Re: Why did you become a teacher???

Selfishly, the vacations, benefits are huge.

Not so selfishly...
there is nothing like teaching a kid how to multiply or having them go from not being able to decode words to reading chapter books, there is nothing like teaching a kid the concept of adding and having them add 3 digits in their head! It's exposing them to things that they wouldn't see, like art and music. It's the chance to change lives. It's what I always wanted to do. I wanted to change lives for the better and teaching was that outlet. Plus, it's so much fun!

Re: Why did you become a teacher???

i've known since high school this is what i wanted. then and when i was a young, naive college student... it was working with kids because i like them and showing them the joys of reading and writing (which I love).

However, it is that and then some. it is getting a kid with a 70 IQ to understand something and retain it, it's getting my socially inept kid with autism to learn how to socialize and communicate with his peers appropriately, it's to get my 5th grade non-reader (literally could not read anything) enjoy fifth grade and leave on a 2 grade reading level), it's being the only stable and consistent factor in a emotionally distrubed child's life, etc.

Can you tell I teach special ed.? But seriously, although it's so fun to impart the curriculum, the social, emotional impact you can have is really amazing and that's what keeps me going.

Re: Why did you become a teacher???

I'm fascinated by the way children learn. What they say, how they process information, how they come up with ideas on their own, their creativity. I had some great teachers and some not so great teachers, and both sets inspired me to want to be a teacher.

Re: Why did you become a teacher???

I love what Nel said about having a different answer after teaching for a while.

I was pre-law throughout college, but by senior year realized that wasn't the path for me. There are very few jobs in which it helps to have a true love, appreciation and enjoyment of history. Being a social studies teacher seemed to fit the bill and I got my masters right after undergrad. It has turned out to be the best decision I ever made.

I hated middle school and work every day to give my students a happier, more secure and meaningful school experience. I love seeing the kids enjoy history and appreciate the connections within it. I love knowing I am giving them tools to help them in high school and beyond as well as providing support.

It is amazing to me that I am lucky enough to have a job that I leave with a smile just about everyday.

Re: Why did you become a teacher???

Re: Why did you become a teacher???

Why did I become a teacher? Because I'm in LOVE with my subject--English. It seemed like anything I'd ever done in my young life until that point revolved around reading and writing. If I could read 24/7 I would. Aside from my girls, it is the one thing that brings me pure joy--maybe even more so: if I'm reading a bad book, I can simply put it down for good! I kid, I kid...
I really couldn't wait to encourage others to discover a similar passion.

After I actually started teaching, I realized that I really love kids too. Well, high school kids anyway, that's my grade level. There is something so exciting about being around them. The energy, the humor, the insight, the drama...everything. And like others posted above me, every day--and I kid you not--I looked around my classroom after everyone was gone and thought, "God I LOVE my job..."

I've been a SAHM for a year now and I miss teaching like crazy.