As soon as I declared my life's calling to be a teacher, I expected judgments and reservations from other students, professors and adults. There are many common misconceptions to this major and I'm here to clear that up.
1. Being an Education Major is Easy
"It'll be easy they said"- Shellie Dye, Heidelberg Student '18
This myth is probably one of the most irritating statements that is uttered by many. Students of the School of Education devote countless hours to their studies. This endless work is highly intensive and demands a student's full attention. A plethora of lesson plans, papers, projects and more, always linger. One lesson plan can take up to 2 hours to complete. It is not nearly a matter of the lyrics "A B C, It's easy as, 1 2 3" from Michael Jackson's hit song "ABC". There is no room to glide by and participation in classes is not of question. Furthermore, a student is held to high standards just to be admitted into the School of Education. Multiple exams are administered with a high price and must be passed in order to receive a teaching certificate. So next time you decide to utter the words "Well you're studying education so your major must be so easy", think again.
2. Those Who Can't, Teach
"People often told me that I couldn't do anything else, and thought that was the reason why I decided to be a teacher"- Danielle Wortham, Heidelberg Student '18
This insulting idiom is often thrown in the face of many students studying education. Unfortunately, some assume that since we are devoting our life to teaching and instilling a fulfilling education within the future leaders of our world, that we are not capable of anything else. This is incredibly untrue. In fact, educators need to be skilled in many different domains in order to sufficiently teach our students life skills. So instead of studying one subject, we are expected to know all. Additionally, the job description of a teacher often leaves out that we have the power to change lives. The duty of educators is to prepare little humans to succeed at other professions. Don't undermine the capability and power of a teacher. It takes a big heart, an open soul and an intellectual person to help minds grow.
3. You Will Make Practically Nothing, It Isn't Worth It
"There's more rewards than just getting paid, like seeing a kid's face light up when she finally understands how to do long division"- Taylor McClain, Heidelberg Student '18
Education majors are not concerned with the paycheck that we receive at the end of the week. Our goal is to make the lives of students better and create authentic learning experiences, not money. Whenever we enter the classroom we have the ability to touch hearts and change minds and love children endlessly. This job is priceless.
4. Teachers Can Wear Whatever They Want
No, no, no, no. Educators have strict guidelines and expectations when dressing for the day. I'm not saying that all teachers follow these rules, however some of us hope that they would. You know all of those v-neck shirts that fit you just the right way? Can't wear those. You know that favorite pair of jeans that makes you feel magical? Maybe on dress down day, but say hasta la vista baby. Oh and you really love your clothes? Befriend stain remover because poop, tears, markers, paint and everything in between are headed for those nice dress pants of yours. The teacher wardrobe is not selective, we are known to be creative people. However, there are many important factors to consider when dressing for the day.
5. People Treat Us Very Well
“I’ve got a friend who is a lion tamer. He used to be a school teacher until he lost his nerve.” -Les Dawson
As soon as we step into a school, we are instantly being interviewed. We are judged from head to toe and on every word that is uttered from our mouth. We often are ridiculed by parents and members in the community who think their tax dollars are going to waste. So remember when criticizing the teaching profession, educators are constantly fighting to give the enriching education that students deserve.
6. You Probably Just Want to be a Coach
This is yet another myth that stereotypes a large amount of education majors, especially those involved in athletics. There is no way to major in "Just Being a Coach". To do so, one must endeavor on the long path that all other educators tread on. I by no means want to belittle the job of a coach. This position often entails being a superhero/role model for many athletes. However, this is a characteristic that teachers embody as well. Thus, coaches are educators too.
7. You Are Just Doing it for the Vacation Time
“Yes, teachers have the summers “off” -- and that off time is when we work in our classrooms, go to trainings and seminars, take graduate or recertification classes, and continue to read and learn so we can be the best teachers we can be. Summer professional development activities are completed on our own time, for the good of the students, and without getting paid because we only get paid for 9-10 months work in a year.” Dr. Julie Green, Assistant Professor of Special Education, Heidelberg University
I have to say that this is a nice benefit that comes with a job. Also, I will say that some educators abuse this benefit and use it as a selling point for the profession. However, this is not true for the majority of those studying education. I often find that when I am away from my students and campers that my life feels empty and like a big chunk of it is missing. It may be called vacation time but to many of us it's "when do I get to see my students again" time.
8. Teachers Are Petty and Unions Are Dumb
Ignorance radiates from this myth. We are not petty. We are strong women and men who fight for our rights. We fight for our children and for their education. We devote our lives to making others' lives. We are aware that we receive many benefits and not a lot of money. Just remember that we are shaping the lives of the future leaders and citizens of our country. Your child/future child's life is in our hands.
9. We Don't Love What We Do
I'm sure in your education career that you have been in a classroom in which it is obvious that the teacher does not want to be there, I have myself. However, this is not an assumption to be taken for all educators. We are not only in love with our job, but we are also in constant adulation of the children that surround us. No it is not always rainbows and smiles, but even the kids who drive us crazy are often the ones we love the most.
10. Teachers Make Minimal Impact and Are Not SuperHeroes
“Education is the key to success in life, and teachers make a lasting impact in the lives of their students.” ― Solomon Ortiz
To all of you I may just be a eager student wishing to become a teacher, but to a child I'm a hero. I'm so infatuated with the chance that I will get to change lives and help students learn. Parents and legal guardians leave impressionable minds in the hands of educators to form and help them discover the world of learning.
Important Disclaimer: These myths were not meant to drive any student or person away from the teaching profession. Choosing to study education was the best choice I have ever made and I do not regret anything. Additionally, I did not intend to insult any other profession in the writing of this article.
