When I tell people that I'm going to school to be a teacher, I always get the same reaction.
People usually cringe and mutter something about the job market being garbage or how teachers are severely under paid. The reactions worsen when I mention that I want to teach middle school or high school, instead of elementary school. Most people tell me that I'm crazy for wanting to deal with hormonal, bratty, and impudent teenagers on a daily basis.
They are right; I am crazy. Dealing with teenagers is anything but a walk in the park. But that's exactly why I want to work with them.
I get it. Kids in elementary school are adorable and they're so fun to work with, I won't deny that. They're still rather innocent. They still see a better world than most people do. Their problems are usually simpler, they're more respectful of teachers, and people aren't scared of little kids like they are teenagers.
Teenagers are loud. They're full of drama. They love to challenge authority just to look cool in front of their friends for a few seconds. Middle school is such an awkward time for them, because of all the changes their bodies are going through. It's basically one giant mess that people are too afraid to even attempt to clean up.
But, to me, teaching teenagers means that I connect with them more. I can share my personal experiences with them to help them navigate through life's many challenges.
It means that I can have actual conversations with my students. Have you ever tried to talk to a little kid? It's almost impossible to hold their attention for more than a few minutes. There are instances where that would be considered adorable, but in an academic setting, it can get to be quite challenging.
Middle school and high school students would allow me to have in-depth class discussions during my lessons. I can teach them more than just basic math or reading skills. The material I can present to them can be more analytical and challenging.
But the biggest reason I want to teach secondary education is because of the relationship I can build with my students. A huge goal of mine is to make a difference in my student's lives, even if it's just a small one. I feel like I have a better chance at that when working with older kids than I do younger ones.
Am I scared? Absolutely. Do I have my worries? You can bet on it. But someone has to teach high school, don't they?