I know, I know you don't get it. Why would anyone want to choose teaching when there is so much more out there to choose from? When telling people I am an elementary education major I get a lot of comments varying from"You know teachers don't make much" to "Look at you taking one for the team". I am not taking one for the team and I don't want anyone sympathy. I love children and I want a job where I feel like I am making a difference. Being an elementary education teacher make me feel good about myself. I have always loved children and it doesn't feel right to choose something where I wouldn't feel complete. After spending my last semester at my field experience it confirmed where I was meant to be. I was meant to be a teacher because I enjoy hearing the crazy things children will tell you when being asked a question and seeing the way they connect their imagination to the real world and hearing them have true curiosity. Learning that even children know what is going on and how they are eager to learn if you just encourage them and build them up when they are struggling instead of tearing them down.
No teaching isn't for everyone but IT IS for me. I may never have a high salary but I rather be happy with my job than be miserable with a lot of money. I remember one of my favorite teachers was always so happy not matter what was going on. She always came to class with a smile on her face and if we did something wrong she didn't yell or scold us. Instead she took us aside and asked what we struggled with and what could help us learn better. She always packed extra food in case someone came to school and didn't get to have breakfast. She is the type of teacher I want to be. Teaching is more than just teaching. Teaching is about caring and helping kids learn not only academically but also learn about themselves and who they want to be. When teaching you should always be encouraging no matter what they behave like because many times we will never truly know what is going on in their home life.
I didn't choose teaching for the money reason in all honesty I almost went into accounting. There is a HUGE difference between accounting and teaching. When it came down to choosing I remember sitting my brother and sister down in my room when I was little and pretending to teach them how to read or to do math and that's what convinced that teaching was my calling and nothing else would satisfy me. I am glad I chose Elementary education because I have a great since of fulfillment when I help a student and they get the look of understanding and accomplishment.
