You have all experienced school and may have kids who go to school now. Do you remember how much work your teacher did for you? I am now experiencing what it is like to truly be a teacher. I have been able to dip my toes in the water of the teaching life via student teaching (a.k.a. being a teacher intern). After six weeks of daily preparation, classroom management, lesson presentations, and much grading, I have a deeper perception of all the work that my teachers did to give me the education I have.
Like any other job, teaching has its ups and downs. The ups may be higher than other jobs, but the downs may be deeper than other jobs as well. For that reason, teaching is like being on a roller coaster ride- sometimes you're feeling adventurous and excited while other times you feel scared or sick. Overall, teaching is unbelievably rewarding. To give you a snapshot of what teaching is like, here are two lists: teaching struggles and teaching perks.
STRUGGLES
1. Managing A Classroom full of growing human beings
Kids are trying to figure out who they are and how they learn. Teachers get to take part in that process by giving them daily lessons to prepare them for the future. It is really amazing to think about. However, this is a struggle because each student is different, with different attitudes and needs. Those growing students are learning how to use their manners in the classroom and be respectful. Teachers must use patience to deal with that using classroom management techniques when students are talking over others, for example.
2. Losing Your Voice
When students are too loud, teachers may try to talk over them to get their attention. This is a bad idea because the vocal chords will be strained, so each teacher has to find a different way to gain student attention and manage the classroom. As a student, you may not have appreciated your teacher's wonderful teacher voice, but it takes practice not to lose that voice after talking all day for five days a week.
3. Staying Healthy
Along the same lines as number two, staying healthy is a struggle as a teacher because you are grading many papers from many hands! When flu season hits, having good habits and a strong immune system really pays off.
4. Scheduling
Being a teacher encompasses much more than working 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Teachers must be in the classroom by 7:45 a.m., but they are usually there longer making copies, organizing, planning, helping students, etc. either before or after school hours. In order to make doctors appointments or other things, a teacher certainly has to plan ahead.
5. Short lunches
It is amazing how much teachers do, and when they finally have a break to eat, it is usually a short 25-30 minutes which is used to use the restroom, sit down and eat. On many occasions, teachers will have visitors during lunch (which is great), but it means you might finish half of your lunch.
6. Administrative Demands
There are many aspects to teaching: teaching the kids, planning, organizational skills, creativity, managing a classroom, and much more. On top of that, there are state and district requirements that teachers must meet.
While there are the downs, there are many great things about teaching!!!
PERKS
1. Kid Humor
Students can be so hilarious! For example, some students may cleverly use songs to respond to questions such as:
Teacher: "Yes, you are getting your tests back today. Sorry it took so long to grade."
Student sings Frozen song: "For the first time in forever..."
2. Preparing Students for the Future
Each teacher has the opportunity to shape the minds of children so that they can succeed in their futures! That is amazing. Having that job is difficult, but a marvelous opportunity.
3. Weekends Off
After a 5 day week of teaching, each teacher gets to sleep in on the weekend (if they choose). There is typically some homework for teachers, but the change of pace is nice to spend time with family and friends then refresh for the next week!
4. Summers Off
Yes, there are many days that teachers have off which is so nice. Still, there is much work throughout the year, that having summers off is a much appreciated blessing. It allows for teachers to spend time with their family, travel, or earn extra money.
5. Extrovert Dream
Being in a school all day surrounded by students and staff can be great because you're able to interact with many people! You are able to discuss and collaborate with co-workers, and students are always fun to talk to. Having interactions all day is tiring for an introvert, but extroverts thrive off of these interactions. Introverted teachers should find ways to decompress each night and have alone time.
6. Active Lifestyle
Depending on your personality, being on your feet all day is much better than sitting behind a desk all day. As a teacher, you get to walk around the classroom and school. You can definitely get your steps for the day if you want to.
7. Opportunities Everywhere
Once you get your teaching certification, your options are endless! Teachers are needed all over the world. This is true for most careers, of course. For that reason, teachers can move to different states or countries to pursue their passions. The teachers you know chose to teach in your community specifically.
Knowing these teacher experiences will give you insight into the ups and downs of teaching. Because you went through school and may have kids who go to school, having these struggles and perks in mind gives you the opportunity to be a blessing to the educators around you.
