If I had a dime…no, a nickel…actually, a penny… for every time someone has told me “Teachers don’t make any money” or “Teaching is so easy,” I’d never need to work again. There is so much that goes into the “Behind the Scenes” of teaching that I hadn’t even realized before choosing my major, and I’m here to tell you the raw truth.
1. You will be tired
You’re awake by 5:15 every morning and you’re at school until at least 3 or 4. You stand all day, and on top of teaching 25 students each period, you’re supervising them, constantly making sure everyone is behaving, following directions and being respectful. Even if you manage to get home by 3, you’ll have a few hours of grading. Before you can relax, you’ll need to review the day and prep for the next one.
2. Summer is not always fun and games
Because of the lower salary, especially for new teachers, many will take on a summer job. On top of that, you have to review everything you did that year and revise it for the next year. If the Department of Education changes school standards or implements anything new, training is required and they’ll need to be incorporated into a new curriculum.
3. No day is alike
On Monday, the students are tired and have no motivation to learn, so you’ll need to make up for that. Tuesday, the back row is be extra talkative. Wednesday, they’re overly energized, etc. Flexibility is key. Some days will be better than others, so use each day as a learning opportunity.
4. You are always learning
Students are constantly asking “why?” and sometimes you won’t have an answer. Plus, student learns differently and you’ll need to learn new techniques to cater to the needs of each one. I once read that teachers are “cursed with knowledge.” The only cure I can think of is to just keep learning.
5. It’s never about the money
It’s always about the kids. You love all them, no matter how difficult they can be at times. Education can change the entire direction of a child’s future. How incredible it is to play a role in that. Connecting with students, opening their minds, being an example, shaping leaders and doers and so much more. What greater impact could you ask for?
There’s an old proverb that goes, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Teachers inspire students to impact others so that there is a never-ending chain of meaningful change. Now that’s the kind of footprint I want to leave.
