4 answers
Christopher’s Answer
My wife is an elementary teacher. Teaching is one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs out there. You put in long hours sometimes with teaching in the classroom and then preparing for the next day and grading papers. And sometimes children can be challenging if they have behavioral issues. But you will learn how to manage these situations in school and practice.
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Lynn’s Answer
Hi, Angelina! All work requires effort, and work done well requires preparation and dedication. That may seem daunting, or hard, if the work doesn't fit your personality or life goals. If you are preparing for or doing something that enthuses you, however, the results make the effort interesting and worth it. I loved school and working with students, so I was interested and motivated to do as much as I could to improve my abilities. Helping students to be successful is not easy without putting in time and effort that meets their needs. When students succeed, however, it's a great feeling . It makes the "hard work" satisfying, which energizes you to do more. Your "hard work" has paid off!
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Sanford’s Answer
Hi. While I am not a teacher myself, I have close to several people who are, so this answer is based on their experiences.
The short answer is that being a teacher can be very hard, but many find it very rewarding and worth the effort. In the early years, the job demands can be very significant -- pulling together lesson plans, learning how to navigate the administrative procedures of the school, finding your voice as a teacher. And, while those challenges may lessen in subsequent years, the challenges of dealing with student issues can be very taxing -- behavioral issues, not native English speakers, difficult home environments.
But, from what I have seen, the ability to have a direct, positive impact on a person's development -- and on their life -- is what many teachers see as the thing that makes all the effort worth it. While many occupations can and do contribute to individual and societal good, few offer the chance to make an immediate positive impact that teaching does.
I hope you find this helpful.
Julie’s Answer
I am an Elementary Special Ed teacher and I can say that it is very hard and also very rewarding. When my students "get it", there is no better feeling. Seeing their growth from week to week is nothing short of amazing!! That being said, my job is driven by assessments and standards created by non-educators. We have to assess our students constantly.