NTTGPR: come in, teachers!

likeanoldtimemovie · November 2014

I'm going back to school to finish my English degree with a concentration on teaching. I really want to do high school and I'm beyond tired of everyone telling me negative shit about teaching.

I know the pay sucks, furlough days suck, budget cuts and standardized testing and pissy parents suck but y'all. Without being all cheesy, I feel like I was meant to do this.

So tell me what you love about teaching. Tell me what makes all of the negative stuff worth it.

Allison03 · November 2014

The students are what makes it worth it

I teach elementary and I feel that if I make even one kid's day better, I have done a great job. There may be a lot of negative, but remember those kids in your class may talk about how great you were for years to come. That is worth it a million times over!

Stitch11 · November 2014

I am an elementary teacher, so I know it's quite a bit different than high school but I absolutely love it. Some days you're incredibly busy, overwhelmed and frustrated, but the great moments with students make it all worth it. You give a lot, but you get even more back. Just to see a student finally "get it" after struggling, or hear them rave about books you recommended that they ended up loving is an amazing feeling.

I can't imagine having a more fulfilling career, knowing that I'm making a difference in a small way every day...and the kids make you laugh every single day. Teaching is really an amazing career and good luck to you if you decide to take that path! The kids need positive, enthusiastic teachers who care about them and will work hard for their success.

IslandDreamin · November 2014

I teach elementary students with special needs. One of the best parts is when you see them have those 'aha' moments. It's also very rewarding when you see them beam with pride over something you helped them accomplish. In addition, I love when they tell you that they enjoy learning from you because you found a way to make it fun for them. As someone who is always curious in the world around them I also genuinely relish discovering new things together and mastering the material. On top of that, children typically have great attitudes and can cheer you up or make you laugh without even trying. I knew it was the right field for me when hours would often go by quickly because I was having a wonderful time.

Good luck pursuing your teaching career. There a lot of hoops to jump through, but it's so worth it.

pmcd886 · November 2014

Well I have to agree with a lot of things PPs said. The students are what make it worth while. I love to see their growth from the beginning to the end of the year. The look on their little faces, I teach elementary, when they "get it" whatever "it" is.

I also love know that I can be a constant in their lives. Some kids have crazy lives outside of school, and as sad as it is I can't do anything about it. However, I can make a difference when they are with me. I can be there for them, teach them right from wrong, and make sure they are prepared to move forward and be successful in whatever it is they decide to do.

akraus2015 · November 2014

I work in urban ed, and my mantra for myself and my teachers is: "If not you, then who?"

LG2793 · November 2014

I teach elementary age and I love it. This is my 8th year. Yes, it can be challenging and incredibly exhausting at times, but the benefits far outweigh the negatives. I love building relationships with the kids and watching them grow each day. I may not have a baby of my own yet, but I get to spend time every day with my 25 other "babies" that I love!

stemi · November 2014

I agree with PP's...

ugotstarbucked said:
I used to teach middle school math. I left the classroom because it was too emotionally difficult for me. I take things too personally and there is so much as a teacher that you cannot control about your students' lives.

This was me. Leaving teaching was the most heart-breaking decision I ever made. I loved teaching-- I genuinely felt proud of myself and the work I did. It is, hands down, the most honorable profession you can choose. Unfortunately, it was killing me. But, I know of plenty out there who are amazing teachers and still at it.

Try to find a district you think would be a good fit for you-- it can make or break you as a teacher. Every district, every school, has a unique culture, and trying to immerse yourself in that culture for a while could give you great insight.

Also, YOUR real education in becoming a teacher will start IN the classroom. Nothing prepared me for the realities of it.

likeanoldtimemovie · November 2014

You guys are amazing and every one of your students is lucky to have you.

carolinagirl67 · November 2014

I teach preschool. I just love to see children grow and their knowledge increase. Young kids are like sponges, they take it all in! I always thought I'd wanna teach high level of elementary but in college, I change my mind. And now I wouldn't change it for anything.

southernpeach89 · November 2014

I'm not a teacher but DH is and he teaches 7th grade Special Ed Math. He went through a short period of time where he thought about changing careers because of the parents or the low pay or the budget cuts etc....but he says watching his students who had no hope at the beginning of the year come out going into 8th grade smarter and more motivated than when they came in, he says it's so worth it. Many of his students don't make it through high school and his goal is to change their minds on school. It's difficult when they come from a home that didn't make it through school but DH tries to instill a mindset in them of what they could do once they have that diploma. He wants to do into administration after a few more years of teaching. I think education needs more teachers like DH. I like what a PP said earlier, "if not you, then who?" That's pretty good.

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