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How do I know if I would enjoy being a teacher.
I'm 18 years old and I have been thinking about possibly becoming a teacher. I've worked as a tutor at a Kumon facility before and I loved working with the kids, however, it was also very frustrating when kids would not listen. I know that it is normal to obviously be frustrated but part of me is scared that when I would have an entire classroom it would always be bad. I do feel like it really fits my personality and work ethic! Thank you for any advice/help! #teacher #teaching
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11 answers
Rachit (Richi) Jain
Accountant
22
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Rachit (Richi)’s Answer
Volunteer: Tons of opportunities to teach. Especially during these times, you can try virtual teaching opportunities.
Tutoring Online: If you're proficient in a subject, teaching that subject online can help you get a feel for what you want to do .
Networking: Talk to teachers, learn from their experience and see if you resonate with them.
Tutoring Online: If you're proficient in a subject, teaching that subject online can help you get a feel for what you want to do .
Networking: Talk to teachers, learn from their experience and see if you resonate with them.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1664
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
You are right to be concerned!
I worked helping people find jobs. One of my clients was a man who went from HS to college and straight into a Master's Program. He became a math teacher. He came to me in October of his first year. He wanted to quit teaching! His words were "the smart students don't need me, and the others don't want to learn." He wanted a new career! And, to make it worse, he was married and they were expecting their first baby.
I encourage you to talk to teachers, shadow them if possible, and find out the good and bad, as well as techniques to deal with students who won't pay attention. There are other concerns as well. The days are long, there are administrative duties, and what you teach and how you teach it may be regulated.
There are alternatives where you would still be teaching, but in a more supportive environment. That would be private schools, for example, or charter schools. Also look into Montessori schools. https://montessori-nw.org/about-montessori-education?gclid=CjwKCAjwn9v7BRBqEiwAbq1Ey2SQDPcrk6jdC1UnVmIw1BSYTdH7bJPVPCg3vZd4WzbjgjLHyWzcpRoCYegQAvD_BwE
Also consider adult education, perhaps GED classes , ESL classes, or even Driver's Ed! There are also corporate trainers, although many companies have gone to Computer Based Training. Then there's always the military TI - training instructor, if the military is an option for you. They'd definitely be a lot more obedient!
It's clear from your question that you have a calling for teaching. The question is who and how? Keep your options open!
I worked helping people find jobs. One of my clients was a man who went from HS to college and straight into a Master's Program. He became a math teacher. He came to me in October of his first year. He wanted to quit teaching! His words were "the smart students don't need me, and the others don't want to learn." He wanted a new career! And, to make it worse, he was married and they were expecting their first baby.
I encourage you to talk to teachers, shadow them if possible, and find out the good and bad, as well as techniques to deal with students who won't pay attention. There are other concerns as well. The days are long, there are administrative duties, and what you teach and how you teach it may be regulated.
There are alternatives where you would still be teaching, but in a more supportive environment. That would be private schools, for example, or charter schools. Also look into Montessori schools. https://montessori-nw.org/about-montessori-education?gclid=CjwKCAjwn9v7BRBqEiwAbq1Ey2SQDPcrk6jdC1UnVmIw1BSYTdH7bJPVPCg3vZd4WzbjgjLHyWzcpRoCYegQAvD_BwE
Also consider adult education, perhaps GED classes , ESL classes, or even Driver's Ed! There are also corporate trainers, although many companies have gone to Computer Based Training. Then there's always the military TI - training instructor, if the military is an option for you. They'd definitely be a lot more obedient!
It's clear from your question that you have a calling for teaching. The question is who and how? Keep your options open!
Thank you so much for your help! I will definitely look into those if I set myself on education!
A
Alison Warren
Academic Administration
57
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alison’s Answer
Hi A G.,
If you feel driven to become a teacher, go for it!
Do as much volunteering or working in classroom settings as you can along the way. You’ll learn a lot through the hands-on experience - not just the teaching and explaining things side like you get at Kumon, but also the classroom management side. Even something like being a summer camp counselor or leading a scout troupe can help with this. In addition to finding as many classroom situations as you can to be a part of, major in education in college. Believe it or not, teachers take entire classes on things like classroom management and setting expectations with students. Those things can be as important as your knowledge of content, sometimes.
When I was doing my student teaching, my mentor gave me this book:
https://www.amazon.com/First-Days-School-Effective-Teacher/dp/0962936022/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3Q0TULKYNFPH8&dchild=1&keywords=first+days+of+school+book+harry+wong&qid=1601763057&sprefix=First+Days+of+School+Book+h%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-4
It’s been extremely helpful for a lot of other teachers I know, too. Teaching is hard sometimes, and it can be frustrating sometimes as well. But, if you truly have a passion for it, you’ll be able to persevere, and you’ll probably make a big difference in the lives of quite a few kids.
Good luck!
If you feel driven to become a teacher, go for it!
Do as much volunteering or working in classroom settings as you can along the way. You’ll learn a lot through the hands-on experience - not just the teaching and explaining things side like you get at Kumon, but also the classroom management side. Even something like being a summer camp counselor or leading a scout troupe can help with this. In addition to finding as many classroom situations as you can to be a part of, major in education in college. Believe it or not, teachers take entire classes on things like classroom management and setting expectations with students. Those things can be as important as your knowledge of content, sometimes.
When I was doing my student teaching, my mentor gave me this book:
https://www.amazon.com/First-Days-School-Effective-Teacher/dp/0962936022/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3Q0TULKYNFPH8&dchild=1&keywords=first+days+of+school+book+harry+wong&qid=1601763057&sprefix=First+Days+of+School+Book+h%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-4
It’s been extremely helpful for a lot of other teachers I know, too. Teaching is hard sometimes, and it can be frustrating sometimes as well. But, if you truly have a passion for it, you’ll be able to persevere, and you’ll probably make a big difference in the lives of quite a few kids.
Good luck!
Dalphne Ray
Special Education Teacher
15
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Dalphne’s Answer
Teaching does take quite a lot of patience and repetition of instructions. Perhaps you can connect with a local school to volunteer as a reader in an elementary school. If you desire to work with older students you could be a peer mentor, tutor and/or volunteer to plan some type of after school club to connect with students on a more personal level. Whatever you decide to do make sure you spend time working with various age groups so you can find your niche in teaching.
Doreen Coles, CPCC PHR
Career strategy, delivery and coaching
11
Answers
Tempe, Arizona
Updated
Doreen’s Answer
Hi there AG!
The key to career happiness is to find a job that allows you to do things that you love doing every.single.day.
The best way to find out if a teaching job is the right one for you is to talk to several people who are teaching and ask them what they most often find themselves doing in their work week - What specific activities take up the majority of their time?
Take that list of activities and ask yourself - which of these do I love doing? Which of these do I hate? Which would I tolerate?
I'd also recommend that you evaluate a few different jobs at the same time using this method (not just teaching). The "winner" is the one where you will do the most things you love each day.
Best of luck to you!
~Doreen
The key to career happiness is to find a job that allows you to do things that you love doing every.single.day.
The best way to find out if a teaching job is the right one for you is to talk to several people who are teaching and ask them what they most often find themselves doing in their work week - What specific activities take up the majority of their time?
Take that list of activities and ask yourself - which of these do I love doing? Which of these do I hate? Which would I tolerate?
I'd also recommend that you evaluate a few different jobs at the same time using this method (not just teaching). The "winner" is the one where you will do the most things you love each day.
Best of luck to you!
~Doreen
Thank you so much! I will definitely list all the things I enjoy/would enjoy and things I don't/wouldn't and compare to it to that of professions i'm looking into!
A
Mario Makary
Country Manager
9
Answers
Beirut, Beirut Governorate, Lebanon
Updated
Mario’s Answer
it is a very special thing to be a teacher! I believe great traits of a teacher would be: compassion, empathy, ability to offer unconditional love..... these were the traits I looked for in a teacher. You alone would know if you are able to offer this.
your fears are very understandable but what could help you to overcome them is to keep in mind that teaching is a journey. When managing a class, a day good go right and another day could go wrong. the most important is to reflect on the day and think of: what have i done that made it a successful and fruitful day? what can i do better to help the kids learn better?
good luck!
your fears are very understandable but what could help you to overcome them is to keep in mind that teaching is a journey. When managing a class, a day good go right and another day could go wrong. the most important is to reflect on the day and think of: what have i done that made it a successful and fruitful day? what can i do better to help the kids learn better?
good luck!
Dakayla Haywood
College student
38
Answers
Macon, Georgia
Updated
Dakayla’s Answer
Hello A.G. I would recommend observing a teacher or several teachers in the grade levels that you would interested in teaching in the future. For me personally, observing several teachers confirmed for me that I really would like to teach. Other recommendations include applying to be a substitute, applying to be a paraprofessional, or applying to be a teacher assistant. All of these recommendations would give you an opportunity to see what it’s like for teachers to do their jobs. This could allow you to see if you would really like to be a teacher.
Kimberly Iannarone, PHR
Human Resources
34
Answers
North Caldwell, New Jersey
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
I had a few friends who were in the same boat as you. A few went on to become teachers as they continued with their education in college. I recommend finding a university that will allow you to go into schools to experience the world of teaching. If you find out it is not your passion, you can change your major or flip to another side of working in a school environment. One of my friends took this route when they determined teaching was not for them.
I also recommend trying to find some volunteering opportunities or jobs that require you to work with children. This way, you can determine if you enjoy teaching and what age range works best for you. It may be younger children you enjoy teaching or high schoolers. Make sure whatever you decide on, that you are following your passions and you love the work you are doing.
I also recommend trying to find some volunteering opportunities or jobs that require you to work with children. This way, you can determine if you enjoy teaching and what age range works best for you. It may be younger children you enjoy teaching or high schoolers. Make sure whatever you decide on, that you are following your passions and you love the work you are doing.
Ghenna Kisswani
Post-Bac Student, previously a teacher
9
Answers
Corona, California
Updated
Ghenna’s Answer
Hello AG,
I completely understand your concern as to if you would enjoy this career in the future. From 2018-2020, I was an Assistant Teacher at an elementary school for a First and Second Grade classroom. It was fun and rewarding, however it was stressful at times due to teaching not being a one size fits all model. You have tailor your teaching methods at times for particular students. My advice to you is to volunteer in a classroom setting and ask if you can lead small activities. You can also get your minor in Child Development or Child Adolescent Studies and that would allow you to be an assistant teacher in many districts. This would allow you the opportunity to gain experience in a classroom setting as an official facilitator of learning and help you decide if this is the career for you. It would also provide insight into classroom management and not only the teaching aspect.
Best,
Ghenna
I completely understand your concern as to if you would enjoy this career in the future. From 2018-2020, I was an Assistant Teacher at an elementary school for a First and Second Grade classroom. It was fun and rewarding, however it was stressful at times due to teaching not being a one size fits all model. You have tailor your teaching methods at times for particular students. My advice to you is to volunteer in a classroom setting and ask if you can lead small activities. You can also get your minor in Child Development or Child Adolescent Studies and that would allow you to be an assistant teacher in many districts. This would allow you the opportunity to gain experience in a classroom setting as an official facilitator of learning and help you decide if this is the career for you. It would also provide insight into classroom management and not only the teaching aspect.
Best,
Ghenna
Frank Oldfield
M.Ed. (TESOL)., Online Remote Adult Education Teacher, Educator & Facilitator.
102
Answers
Finland
Updated
Frank’s Answer
Dear Students. Thanks for your question: "How do I know if I would enjoy being a teacher? + (I do feel like it really fits my personality and work ethic!).
Do you have a passion for Teaching Content?
If you stay in Teaching for several years, you will most likely find yourself teaching the same content over and over and over again!
You have to honestly enjoy what you are teaching because you love your students and you want to encourage your students to become Teachers too! Please remember that Teachers are like Parents with large families and all professional Teachers enjoy helping our students succeed in and out of the classrooms... read more at: https://www.bing.com/search?q=How+do+I+Know+if+I+would+enjoy+being+a+teacher
1. Quiz: how good a teacher would you be? Write your 5 minute quiz for FREE and hand out to your classmates!!! You might not realize it, but you could have the perfect attributes to succeed as a teacher!!! https://study.com/blog/i-m-considering-becoming-a-teacher-how-do-i-know-if-it-s-right-for-me.html
2. Best_Wishes_&_Good_Luck! https://www.careervillage.org/users/74836/frank
Do you have a passion for Teaching Content?
If you stay in Teaching for several years, you will most likely find yourself teaching the same content over and over and over again!
You have to honestly enjoy what you are teaching because you love your students and you want to encourage your students to become Teachers too! Please remember that Teachers are like Parents with large families and all professional Teachers enjoy helping our students succeed in and out of the classrooms... read more at: https://www.bing.com/search?q=How+do+I+Know+if+I+would+enjoy+being+a+teacher
Frank recommends the following next steps:
TLAURENTONI HUBBARD
CA
115
Answers
San Gabriel, California
Updated
TLAURENTONI’s Answer
Compelling instructors are generally energetic around two things: youngsters and learning. Educators with enthusiasm for kids and learning empty themselves into helping their understudies arrive at their maximum capacity. Their fervor for training is regularly so infectious that it sparkles energy in their understudies and even individual educators.
While keeping up a significant level of enthusiasm throughout a long profession is unquestionably testing, exceptional instructors are dedicated to continually rehearsing with a similar degree of care and coarseness as when they initially started educating. Here and there that implies finding innovative approaches to reignite their adoration for educating or simply helping themselves every day to remember the effect they get the opportunity to have on their understudies.- -
While keeping up a significant level of enthusiasm throughout a long profession is unquestionably testing, exceptional instructors are dedicated to continually rehearsing with a similar degree of care and coarseness as when they initially started educating. Here and there that implies finding innovative approaches to reignite their adoration for educating or simply helping themselves every day to remember the effect they get the opportunity to have on their understudies.- -
Thank you for your knowledge!!
A