Mary-Anna
Is it wise to become a teacher?
I am considering becoming a teacher. #teacher #education #careerchoice #help #school
8 answers
Sarah White
Sarah’s Answer
Sarah White
Sarah’s Answer
Gloria Ortiz
Gloria’s Answer
I think that wise is probably a matter of opinion. It also depends on what kind of teaching that you want to become. I assume that you are talking about the traditional public school system teacher, teaching K-12. Some of the best people that I know are public school teachers who have a passion for teaching future generations. Most teachers that I know had some decisions to make early in their teaching careers. What grade to teach? Where? For those who chose high school, what to teach? You are working in a system that you requires teamwork and flexibility. Some school districts change policies every year. My brother was a high school Political Science and Government teacher who moved up into Administration after several decades of teaching.
I was a teacher of a different sound. I became a corporate training instructor when I was in the banking industry. This is a very different type of role, starting with the students. They are all adults. And for a good portion of my career, they have also been older than me. Just like young people, these adults may have different feelings about learning. These adults were in my class because they had already been hired to do a job. They already had a skill for which they would be already earning a salary. I don't give grades and very often, even if they did poorly in my training, they went back to their jobs and still got paid. That can be frustrating. I like corporate training for a variety of reasons. I didn't need a degree to start (although I eventually earned two). I have worked in a variety of industries so I didn't have to stick with one subject. And I have worked around the world. It has been an honor to train people from various countries.
Teaching of any kind takes stamina (physically and mentally) as well as optimism and good humor. Whichever route you choose, there will be highs and lows. I think, however, that you will look back on your teaching career as time very well spent. Good luck.
Gloria
Rachel Resnick
Rachel’s Answer
Yes, I do believe so, so long as you prepare to be a genunely caring teacher. It's helpful to take higher-level classes in Sociology, Psychology, and Human Development. Definitely take at least two or more 2000+ level courses in these subjects. You will learn about society and how it functions in a way that may be harmful to our student and how to combat social constructions and become more aware of them. This will make you a better teacher in the long run and having and understanding of sociology as a whole will make you a better person, help you understand your students and connect with them. Studying psychology and human development will help you learn about the way people learn (and therefore you will learn how to best teach your students). Depending on the phase of life adolescents and children are in, they learn differently, and their brain works differently as well. It is essential to have an understanding of this prior to becoming an educator. It will also help you to connect with students, parents, and families. Human Development and Family Studies will also allow you to become more culturally aware of students and families that come from different backgrounds; this will allow you to unlearn implicit biases and recognize them in yourself and others (and therefore, grow from them). Overall, these three fields of study are absolutely essential when pursuing teaching. Taking the time to take 2 or more classes in each of these subjects will help you become the best teacher you can possibly be. Other than these, the more obvious answer is take as many classes as possible in the subject-area you want to teach AND take education courses.
B.K. Bolden
B.K.’s Answer
Interesting question. To be wise basically means to have or show experience, knowledge, and good judgment. Each of these characteristics is developed over time. Personally, I would say that any profession that satisfies you that is legal and meets your personal, career, and financial goals is a wise choice. Finding the grade level and subject that you are a good fit for is important. You have to be happy in your profession in order to be the best teacher that you can be. Teaching can be very challenging. Teaching can also be rewarding. The teaching profession has growth opportunities. As your wisdom develops so will you as a teacher. I would suggest determining exactly where you would like to ultimately end up in the teaching profession and map out a plan before pursuing. You can always revise your plan later.
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Elaine Sabra
Elaine’s Answer
Naomi Harm
Naomi’s Answer
>YES< it is wise to become a teacher! If you are passionate about being an educational mentor to make life changing differences in children's lives, so they can be the change to make our world a better and safer place, then you have found your calling. The next question is - what type of educator do you want to be come to influence others? Is your focus and interest on educational leadership, the sciences, elementary education, the arts, etc????? Identify your focus to meet your area of interest, as you can choose a major and a minor.
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Hi Naomi: Your advice is very insightful. I agree with your comments 100% on "If you are passionate about being an educational mentor to make life changing differences in children's lives, so they can be the change to make our world a better and safer place, then you have found your calling". My daughter is a new High School Math teacher. She now has a firm grasp on teaching and is making a great impact in her students lives. Thank you for your wonderful comments.
Sheila Jordan
