There are people who are natural born teachers--these people may have been the people who played school as a child with their friends or siblings. There are certain qualities and quirks that these people have and as an Education major, I have begun to recognize them. I will say to my friends "That's the future teacher in me" when I do something "teacher-like" as my friends say. Here are a few situations in which you begin to recognize that "teacher" in you.
1. Public Speaking/ Presentations
Public speaking and presentations do not necessarily scare you because you know that this is what your career will entail. No one really enjoys giving a presentation for a class, but you recognize that this is great practice for being a teacher one day. While giving a presentation you try to make eye contact, speak with a clear voice, and sometimes try to be a little witty or humorous.
2. Lending a Helping Hand
Whether it's reading over a paper, helping someone with their homework, or sending someone a few links about a specific topic, you are always happy to help. You understand that people need help sometimes and are happy to help in whatever way you can.
3. Understanding and Critiquing Pedagogy
There are times where people complain about a certain teacher for whatever reason and you try to understand both the student's perspective and the teacher's. You understand that there are people who learn differently and how that may affect the student, but also the teacher. You're not afraid to admit that a certain teacher's way of teaching just does not suit your way of learning and critique it carefully. This understanding and critiquing also includes learning how to tailor your learning and is practice for helper others tailor theirs.
4. Mornings
Some people are morning people and some are not. Let's just clarify this: Not all teachers are natural morning people. Caffeine is what gets most people through the mornings and it may
take several cups, however it is all to make the teacher more prepared for the morning. With that being said, teachers become morning people so that they can help their students and be fully functioning to teach them. You may not like waking up at 8 am to go to that Philosophy class, but once you're awake, you're ready for the day and try to be as productive and helpful as possible.
5. Social Situations
When in social situations, you tend to be friendly and loquacious. If you notice someone by themselves, you'll go talk to them and try to make them feel more comfortable. You're the one who tries to monitor conversations and while you may love to talk, you prefer to listen to the people around you. This is a skill that applies to teachers and many other professions, of course.
