Humorously, I grew up with the majority of my family members being teachers, yet this phrase was tossed around from time to time. When I, too, decided to follow in the teacher footsteps, this derogatory phrase settled in the back of my mind. Is the teaching profession really considered that menial? Is it not very ambitious of me for choosing this profession?
After talking to many family members and observing teachers in the classroom, I caught on to how some teachers really view their own profession. Many threw around jokes, relating the poor life with the teacher life--especially at private schools. Many revealed how little freedom they actually possess in the classroom and how it’s not what they signed up for. While observing for an education class, one teacher actually warned me about entering the field of education. He extensively revealed negative side effects upon entering the teaching world. This not only made me question all life decisions I am currently making here in college, but it also discouraged me how low teachers viewed their profession.
I understand why teachers are discouraged and frustrated with their jobs. The state holds a lot of control. The teacher does have freedom in the classroom, but in order for students to succeed, they must perform well on their annual assessment. Teachers are therefore subject to teach the students specific skills for that annual assessment. It’s only normal for teaching to lose its uniqueness and excitement when it’s all designed for one big test.
In regards to the demeaning phrase -- “those who can’t do, teach" -- it only feeds into the minds of teachers that their work is useless and easy. In reality, its quite the opposite. The state may control a lot, but they can’t take away teaching styles or the way a teacher makes a student feel. Teachers forget the amount of power they possess. Students watch the way teachers treat other students, the way they talk about and influence other students. Teachers hold the effective job of displaying the knowledge and opportunities the world has to offer. They have the power of showing the benefits of hard work. They also have the power of holding high standards and challenging students to be the best they can be. How can anyone demote the job of influencing the future adults of our society?
From student to teacher, I want to say your work matters. When I think of high school, middle school and even elementary school, I think of you--the positive and the negative memories. You made a difference in my life and played a role in molding my character during some of the most influential stages of my life. I remember ways you made me feel smart and confident. And yes, I remember ways you made me feel inferior, too. Take your job seriously and realize the responsibility you have. The way students view education and learning comes from you. For now on, it shouldn’t be “those who can’t do, teach”; instead, we should be saying, if you think you’re up for the challenge, become a teacher.
