As I am more than halfway through the education program at my college, and I've met more than my fair share of different education majors. I've met some people who are so passionate about teaching, that I honestly wish that I was born in a different year, so that I could've had them as teachers. I've met people who will truly change the way education will work in our country, and I've met people who I am proud to call my peers.
However, I have also met people who honestly, shouldn't be teachers. It may sounds rude, and it may sounds unfair, but it's true. Maybe they will end up teachers, and in a few years quit. Maybe they'll be teachers, and do an amazing job. But if you find yourself saying these things, I'm here to tell you, it's not for you. (Warning: I've literally heard people say this in my education classes).
1. "I just want a secure job that makes good money."
Hate to break it to you, bud, but unless you're hired at a really prestigious private school, good luck with that.
2. "Little kids are soooooo cute!!!"
Aaand? What's your point with that? I think dogs are cute, but I don't want to be a veterinarian. I think clothes are cute, but I don't want to be a fashion designer. Being a teacher is about educating young minds, not about saying "awww," over their little voices.
3. "I'm picking up a Special ed./TESL minor to be more marketable!"
Great. Many people also take those minors to y'know...help special needs and ESL students...but....I guess you could make it about you.
4. "I'm really good at [subject], so I might as well teach kids how to be good at it too!"
That's about 5% of the job. Plus, there's hundreds of careers that can come out of basic subjects, so if that's your only reason, just be an English major.
5. "My mom/dad/grandma/sister is a teacher, so I should be too!"
Okay? Was that their reason for becoming a teacher too? No? Weird.
6. "I don't know what else to do, and my parents said I had to go to college so...."
Great. Take some exploratory courses and get back to us.
7. "Yeah, I don't really care about the education system or whatever, I just want to hang out with kids all day!"
YOU. PROBABLY. SHOULD.
8. "I'm not very good at explaining things, but...
Yikes. I have some interesting news for you then...
9. "I can't handle when people don't understand things. I only want to teach honors and AP classes, those kids actually care about school."
Well unfortunately, even kids who have learning disabilities, problems at home, or are just plain unmotivated, deserve an education.
If you find yourself saying these things over and over again, not only do your fellow education majors secretly hate you, but you have no business being a teacher. Normally I'd hate to discourage people from a career path, but this kind of attitude is dangerous, and makes it harder for students to learn.
