What possess a person to persue a career as a high school teacher?

Question

Everybody is so mean to teachers. They make fun of them and they know it, overlooking it to stay on our good sides. They prepare long lessons only for students to sleep through. They prepare long book discussions only so students can wonder what they are talking about, as half of them did not read the eight page storey that was assinghned the night before. They work for minimal paychecks.

Answer 1

For every brat, there are 3 sweethearts whose departure at the end of the semester makes me truly sad. For every idiot parent, there are 5 supportive and positive parents who stop by years later to say hi. For every lesson that gathers many sleepyheads, there are a few that make them think and react and discuss. For every laughable paycheck .... yeah, you're right on that one! For every student who doesn't get it while in your class, there's one that gets it and another who gets it later on. I have kids stop by after graduation to say hello and give me a hug. Sometimes the biggest brats turn into such sweethearts after they leave my room.

I was assigned a class this year that almost made me quit my job of 8 years and did send me back to grad school to get out next year if necessary ... then I decided to throw myself into the class. And ... they are the best kids I've ever taught, even better than my honors classes. When I want to scream and leave the room, I get more excited, even if I am completely faking it. Even fake excitement is contagious. Usually.

Answer 2

One motivation is to get out of teaching 8th grade. I had to come up with a rule that there is no changing of pants during class.
It is a job and it is better than unemployment.
Still, half of all teachers quit their profession after six years.

Answer 3

Naivete or insanity are the only reasons I can think of.

Although it does beat teaching middle school!

Answer 4

Those who can do. Those who can't, Teach.