I am now about half way done with taking classes toward my education degree. That means that I am about halfway to becoming a teacher! I am really excited to finish up my degree and start teaching. Here are six things I am especially looking forward to.

1. Making my own lessons

Between my education classes and professional conferences, I have learned a lot of really interesting and fun activities that I can incorporate into my own lessons. I am really looking forward to actually putting these things into practice. It will be incredibly rewarding to be able to teach things the way I want to.

2. Interacting with students

More often than not, kids are easier to get along with than adults. Having the opportunity to interact with them every day and get the chance to be a part of their lives will be such a rewarding experience. As a teacher, your interactions with certain students could help mold who they grow up to be. I feel that this is such an important thing and I cannot wait to be able to contribute to the lives of countless students!

3. You never have to fully grow up

A teacher is essentially just a responsible student. You never leave school, both in a literal sense as well as you never stop learning. You also want to keep things fun and never become the kind of teacher who stands at the front and lectures. Teachers will definitely grow old, (maybe sooner than other professions) but they will never truly grow up.

4. Passing on knowledge and experiences

I know it sounds cliché, but part of the reason I got into teaching in the first place was to pass on my own knowledge and personal experiences. I think this may be one of the biggest joys of teaching. It is the majority of your job description. Teaching your students straight from the curriculum is perfectly fine. However, I think that almost everyone who teaches is doing it because a teacher in their lives went above and beyond and passed on as much knowledge and as many experiences as they could.I believe that we all strive to be that teacher.

5. Encouraging students to do their best

Once again, I think that we all had a teacher who went far beyond the call of duty and encouraged students to do their best. School is very difficult for a lot of students. It is up to the teacher to make sure that every student gives his or her best effort and they never give up.

6. Gratitude from the students

I will never expect a “thank you” from a student. I do not need them to go out of their way to show me how much they appreciate what I have taught them. I look forward to seeing a student’s bright smile as he or she walks into my class. I look forward to seeing the lightbulb go off in a student’s head. I look forward to the excitement when a student finally understands something. This is the gratitude that I am looking forward. These moments, I believe, are what teachers live for!