Whether it's kindergarten, third grade, middle school or high school, every teacher faces every day with the chance of changing a life or making a difference. Despite what most people say and think, it is an extremely difficult and under-rated profession. So when people do decide to pursue education, others are alway trying to talk them out of it.
1. "I guess you aren't trying to make any money."
Yep. Because I decide to pursue something I'm passionate about, not what my parent's forced me to do or what I thought would make the most money.
2. "You're way too smart to be a teacher."
So what you're saying is that you want your future kids, the future president, the next generations of doctors, lawyers and engineers, to be taught by an idiot instead?
3."Those who can't do, teach."
Just no. Please shut up.
4. "You must be very patient."
Patience is something that must be learned. It doesn't happen over night.
5. "You must really love children."
Yes, we do. But that doesn't mean that we want to be around them all day, every day.
6. "You're going to [insert college here] just to be a teacher?"
Oh, I'm so sorry for going and trying to get a quality education to be the best that I can possibly be. Oh silly me.
7. "At least you get a good vacation."
True, but that has nothing to do with why we want to do it.
8. "At least you get to take easy classes."
Please continue to tell me how easy it is for me to take a full 16-17 credit hours every semester while also doing student teaching and lesson planning?
9. "I couldn't teach. I would hate it!"
Good. We don't need you belittling our careers, though.
10. You're going to be stressed your whole life."
Isn't everyone? Might as well be stressed doing the thing that you love.
11. "Why?"
Do I really have to explain myself to you?
For every future educator, no matter what grade level, please remember that what you want to do is so important. If you doubt that for a second please let Taylor Mali boost your confidence with this video:
Don't doubt your passion for education for a second.
