"Don't be a teacher."

Sadly, this is the response that usually follows my answer to the age old question, "What do you want to be?" For anyone who is thinking of being a teacher, this is probably a very common response. Well, this or "You don't want to be a teacher." Yes, yes I do want to be a teacher. I am one of those crazy individuals who actually wants to get up every morning and face a classroom full of students who will hopefully go home knowing something that they didn't already know. The negativity that surrounds the profession of teaching is astounding and disappointing. When did teachers become public enemy number one? Teachers are not the enemy. People who believe so have either forgotten or did not have the good fortune to have a teacher who impacted their life. Teachers are special people and anyone considering joining this profession needs to take this fact into account.

Teaching should be a calling. Sure, anyone can go to school and get a degree to teach, but not just anyone should. This job is not something you choose because you think it's easy. That is a myth! Teaching others takes extreme effort, patience, common sense, creativity, and thought. Teaching is not about working six hour days and having holidays and summers off. If you think that then you are ignorant. Harsh, but true.

Teaching is selfless and the students are the priority. Excellent educators often come in early and stay late in order to help their students. They are accessible and willing to assist when needed, not just during the allotted class time. They also put their own troubles and frustrations aside as to put their students first. It isn't your class' fault that you got stuck in traffic or aren't feeling well, so don't take it out on them. Find a way to forget about it and do your job.

Truly special teachers refer to their students, past and present, as their kids. They care for them as they would for their own children. They may even become involved in their students' outside interests. For example, they may go see games and matches, plays, or music concerts. It is important to remember that students have lives and talents outside of the classroom.

From one future teacher to another, here are a few things that I think we need to keep in mind when we start teaching.

First, remember that you were a student before you were a teacher. You remember all of the things that you hated as a student, like homework on the weekends or being bombarded with tests on Fridays. Think about these when you are making your lesson plans. You also remember all of the ways that you may have cheated when you were in school. Really think about that when you assign homework and give tests.

Second, understand that not all students learn in the same way. Make sure you devise different approaches to teaching material so everyone can fully comprehend the lesson. Never be afraid to try new things. It is important to be flexible.

The next time someone tells you not to be a teacher, don't let it phase you. You were called to the profession and will do great things. Just make sure that you are in it for the right reasons.