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What made you decide to be a teacher?

Being a teacher was the first career I was ever interested in at a young age but I am not sure if it's something I want to commit to. How did you know it's what you wanted to do?

career-choice career-paths education teacher
Thank you comment icon Teaching is a very noble profession, I think US should look at the teacher pay very differently, as compared to European countries. If we want our students to be succesful, then we must have the best/brightest willing to teach. It is always a joy seeing young people succeed in their life, that is something you can't never get with money alone. Limin Zhang
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Paul’s Answer

I think for me it was when I saw the students that I had taught and mentored, walk across the graduation stage each June, and saw them accept their diploma's.

Seeing them achieve their life goals and objectives really made me feel like I had made a difference in their lives and in society.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Paul! Katlin
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Melanie’s Answer

I love this question! I truly have known my whole life that I want to be a teacher. I always had a love for kids and was a leader among my peers. I loved helping my peers with their work and I was definitely a teacher's pet! :)
What ultimately made my choice clear was my love for my first grade teacher. She was the absolute best and was so passionate about her job. We stayed connected throughout my schooling and I then got to intern with her class when I was in high school. That really solidified my passion. It was so nice to see her love for teaching all those years later.
I also volunteered with kids throughout high school and through my university I have gotten the opportunity to work with students in the classroom again which is the best. I could never imagine working in a career not surrounded by kids. They are the best!!
You will do amazing if that is the path you choose to follow. It's a tough job but the kids make it worth it!
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Gina’s Answer

Hi Katlin! What a great question! Honestly, I think teaching chose me! It just seems like I was always the one jumping to help people learn. It didn't really matter what it was, if I knew how to do something, I wanted others to know how to do it too! LOL It is not always easy because sometimes you have to push them a bit; but it is the most rewarding thing when you finally see "the light bulb" come on for student and they get it! BEST. FEELING. EVER!


Thank you comment icon You rock! This advice is very helpful. Katlin
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Diane’s Answer

Hi Katlin - I come from a family of teachers (siblings, in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins) and my Dad was the principal at my high school but he started as a teacher. The main common denominators they all had was a love of learning, love of kids and wanting to make an impact/difference. These passions are what lead all of them to teaching/administration. I know they feel its been a rewarding profession for them but it has it's downfalls/difficulties (especially Covid/Post Covid). A perk they do appreciate is holiday breaks and summers off to spend time with family and/or friends (work/life balance) that many other occupations don't afford. However, there are many hours spent after school/at home grading papers/quizzes/tests, helping kids with their learning before/after school, P/T conferences as well as many other education related activities/hours spent. Keep in mind you don't necessarily have to go into traditional teaching; there is also corporate teaching/instruction as well as career/technical education instructors. Best of Luck!
Thank you comment icon I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question. Katlin
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Tanceana’s Answer

WOW!!!! Kaitlin, that is a LOADED QUESTION, for sure! :)
I can go in soooooo many different directions with this answer but I believe that I owe it to you to be as truthful as possible, but also, as open-minded as possible. Personally, as a life-long educator, I believe that it is so important that I don't persuade you, nor dissuade you in any way, but instead, merely share to inform.

We are all gifted in many different ways, and the gift of wanting to 'give of ones self' to others, is just as important as any other gift. When someone has the "Internal Calling" of the "True Gift of wanting to Teach," that's one of the feelings that person has. A genuinely caring Teacher is concerned about others and have a deep desire to want to show them a new way; a better way in which to learn. A genuinely caring Teacher doesn't see 'color', but instead, wants ALL of her students to feel special and empowered. A genuinely caring Teacher is one that has a yearning inside to want to teach young hearts and minds the importance of being both civic minded, and yet empathetic in the world in which we live in. A genuinely caring Teacher learns that her job does not come with a lot of "Please's and Thank You's," but she doesn't need to hear that in order to feel that her "Internal Calling" is still "The Gift of Teaching."

The Key Terms:
Internal Calling
Gift of Teaching
Genuinely Caring Teacher

Kaitlin, it is Your Choice, in Life, to become whatever you choose to be!
Even if you Chose to get your 4-year degree in a college major other than Teaching, you could still take that same degree and Teach later in life as well. Or, if you get your college degree in Education, graduate, teach a while, and decide that you want to do something else....... COOL!!! The key is that you'll have your 4 year degree, which will open doors for you no matter what you choose to do! Remember, the sky is the limit and the best thing about that, is that the Choice is truly Yours! Take Care!

Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your answer! I am heavily considering getting an associate's in early childhood education and pursuing being a preschool teacher or opening my own daycare one day! Katlin
Thank you comment icon Katlin, it sounds as though YOU have the IT FACTOR, which in my world means..... Your have a tender heart for children, which is a Jewel of a Gift that has already been placed within your Heart. Follow your heart, in this case, and you can't go wrong. I Love how you already have a PLAN. And it's a Solid Plan too!!! Now Katlin, just stay the course and Go For It, Puddin'!!! Tanceana Reynard
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