Why do you want to be/ why did you become a teacher?

Question

What were the things that made you want to be a teacher? Summers off? Changing lives? etc.. and if you are already a teacher, how did it turn out for you- meaning, are the things that made you want to be a teacher in the first place why you continue to teach? I guess I'm asking, did your aspirations and expectations sync with your actual experience?

Answer 1

I loved art, and I loved my high school art teacher, and so I became a teacher, with very little thought. Vacations, pay, none of it mattered to me.

I am currently a mom, not teaching in public school (though I do teach thru some art centers and at a local university). I did teach at several schools (something not a lot of teachers can say as many get one job and stay put). I taught in a very at risk school with kids that were very rough. LOVED the job and felt I made a difference. Second job, upper middle class school system, top 3 in the state. Both these were middle school. Again, I felt I made a big difference in the lives of the kids. I was enthused and thought about my job all the time. I saw art (what I taught) everywhere and in everything. I was inspired, motivated.....etc.

Moved to GA and hated teaching. Taught 2 yrs of elementary and 2 years of middle school. In these school art was just a way to provide planning for other teachers. I felt looked down upon and that no one cared if I taught about artists, problem solving, etc.....or if I just passed out coloring sheets. I felt put upon (can you make this for me, can you make the parade float, can you calligraphy 900 certificates......) The parents were often accusatory (I heard you have been harassing my daughter about her skirt length -- after I had seen the girls panties on 3 occasions).

Currently, I teach in about 4 different places -- all wonderful.....but I do dread the day I head back to the public schools. UGH.

Answer 2

I had no intentions of ever becoming a teacher. I was never going back into a high school once I finally graduated.

My junior year of college I realized that I was always the person leading the study groups. Everyone like the way I explained things because I made it easy to understand. One prof would ask me to teach his labs instead of his grad student when he was going to be out for any reason.

My senior year of college I decided to switch majors to teaching. I was in a program that put me in a high school science class for the entire 9 months of school. I learned that I really was good at explaining things to teenagers.

I have found teaching to be the best profession for me. I love my work and I love my classes. I actually enjoy getting up and going to work each morning. If it ever changes then I will change professions.

Answer 3

I started out in the mental health field. I worked in the school district and saw how the students with disabilities were pushed to the back of the room and colored. I wanted to change that because I feel everyone has the right to learn. I wanted to make a difference and I have! It has been very fulfilling. I have enjoyed teaching so much.