The students at Fitchburg State will be heading back to school in just over a week. I decided the best way to get education students back in the groove of things is to remember why we decided to become teachers. I have gathered advice from teachers and students studying to be teachers on how to take on people who aren't supportive of their choice to become a teacher.

The most common thing I've heard in response to being an education major is "You're too smart to be in that field" or "But how are you going to support yourself?". My counter has ALWAYS been that it isn't about the money, it's about the intent. It's about knowing what needs to be changed for students and being one to stand up and have the determination to make that change. As for being "too smart" to be an education major... It takes a certain mastery to be able to teach a subject! -Rachel

Some people told me that "I won't get paid as well as I deserve to be paid and that it is not worth it." And it is true teachers don't get paid a lot. But it's not about the money. It's about the children. No amount of money can replace the feeling you get when a child's face lights up when they get a problem. No amount of money can replace the impact that you can have on a child's life. -Sabrina

The worst things I've been told is that "I won't make enough money and that I'll be so stressed out over the children's behavior" that I won't enjoy myself. Truth is, money may be a struggle, and some bad days in the classroom will stress me out. However, at the end of the day, I want to know I've given the best day possible to my future students. They will receive education in a meaningful, fun way, and I want to make a positive impact on their lives. Money doesn't matter, but seeing these students everyday and knowing you are instilling good into them is what truly matters. We have no idea how well they can be impacted! -Amber

One of my history professors, who I respect immensely, told me that "I was overrated to teach middle school. I was a little surprised at this." For me, it's never, and will never, be about the money. I've finished student teaching and am subbing in that same school district. I can tell you right now, I would be willing to take [very bad] pay as long as I can be around kids of that age, staff of that quality, and in a district like the one I student taught in. They're all incredible. I've never woken up in the morning saying out loud, "I really hope they call me in to sub." I didn't expect to wake up during my student teaching and say "I can't wait for today." It's all about the kids. Always has been, always will be.

It also frustrates me when people say, "Why would you ever want to teach middle school?" And they maintain that same [frustrating] stigma that all middle schoolers are the same. They're all wild, reckless, loud, mouthy, moody, don't listen, are going through puberty, the boys smell, the girls are prima donnas... I can say with certainty that they're wrong. They're off their rockers. Well, sort of. Some of that stuff is right, but overall, they're wrong. 5th graders are completely different from 6th graders, and are way different from 7th graders, who are extremely different from 8th graders. Mentality, physicality, everything is different. They're not "all the same." All, or at least most of them, are still pretty fragile and malleable. For me, that's what I love. I can make a positive impact on them. I can hopefully redirect them if they're about to go down a bad path in life, or I can continue to inspire them. They see you as a major role model in life, as long as you carry yourself as a humble one.

They don't tell you how easy it is to become attached to your students, let alone as a student teacher. You become defensive and garner a sense of protection over them. I spent less than 4 months with the students, and I grew to love them. To me, and this sounds weird to so many out there, they are "my kids." I always lay into people when they pre-judge my kids or even insult them (yes, I had a sub once insult my students.) Those names on your roster at the start of the year will become a piece of your heart. Letting go isn't easy. So be ready for that.

This can all be summed up with today's essential question: What other job in the world gives you the opportunity to make a positive, substantial, and sustained difference in over 100 kids' lives every day for 180 days? -Dan (Wow!)

Ok, a relative sounded quite disappointed when he found out I was going to change my profession (banking) to become a teacher. Keep in mind I come from a family of teachers on both sides of the family!!!! He told me "I was too smart to become a teacher!". Needless to say, that comment hit me like a ton of bricks. How can one become too smart to teach? Look at all the teachers we have in the family, are they not smart enough? What are you trying to say about my dad (former teacher), mom (retired teacher) and sister (at the time, also a teacher)?

Then I realized that as backwards as that comment was, he meant well. It was actually a backhanded complement. He just wanted what was best for me. In his mind money was the remedy for all ills. He wanted me to have it. He had this view that everyone in banking had money. He also thought I was extremely smart, he looked up to me.

So I took all these "positive feelings" and invested in my academic career. Every time I was able to assist someone, I thought of him. Whenever I had a chance I would contact him and said, today, today I did this. Or a child told me that. You will not believe what happened today.

That is it. Funny thing is, if you speak with him today, he could not be prouder of me. Now, he wants me to become president of a university! Gave me ten years to do it. Not going to happen... What matters is that I know he always loved me. People just show it in "DIFFERENT" ways. It is not the profession that they worry about, it is us. It is our duty and obligation to TEACH them what we do is honorable and one of the greatest contributions to our society. -William