Dear My Fellow Future Teacher,
Being a future educator, I've struggled to continually be inspired to continue on that path. As much as I love kids, it's hard to stay focused and motivated with societal pressures on me telling me that my profession isn't enough to make it in this world. I've heard every complaint from, "Why would you want to work with kids?" and "Teaching is glorified babysitting," to, "You're going to be broke."
Here are some reminders (and some of my favorite things) that remind me that I'm on the right path and that all of my hard work isn't going to waste.
1. You WILL make enough
"Do you know how much teachers make?"
"Why would you ever want to do that?"
"I hope you marry rich."
Well — actually, you'll make plenty.
2. Your students need you
Teaching isn't glorified babysitting, and not everyone can do it.
3. It isn't just lesson plans — you're creating magic
Yes, lesson plans are important. Curriculum is important. Standardized testing is important. Don't forget why you wanted to become a teacher; don't forget that you can make a difference. Stay creative, stay focused, and keep your mindset positive.
4. You won't always know when you've made a difference
After some student teaching, or even after your first year of teaching, you may not have a student come up to you gleaming with a thank-you card. You won't always immediately know when you've made a difference; you may not find out you have until well after you've stopped teaching. Just know that every day that you wake up and give your job your all, that you're on your way to making a difference.
Like any career, teaching shouldn't be looked down upon because it's "too easy" or that "teachers don't make enough". It is a challenging career, and those who strive to be educators should be encouraged for their career choice. Whether someone wants to be an astronaut, president, a firefighter, or a ballerina, they wouldn't be able to achieve these goals without their teachers. Education is fundamental no matter how each and every single person chooses to take on the world, and the world needs good teachers to help the future generation reach its full potential. Always remember that you're well on your way to making a difference.
Stay inspired, my friends.
