Going through my childhood years, I always told myself that I would never become a teacher. I wanted to be a librarian, a marine biologist, an editor at a publishing company. But when I began high school, I considered going into Special Education. My brother is physically/mentally handicapped, and I absolutely adore him and the impact he has made on my life as well as others. The kids who were in Special Education classes were such a joy to be around, it made me want to work with them every single day.
Some say that only certain kinds of people can teach, especially special education. Working with students with disabilities and behavioral disorders may seem like a daunting task. You will be challenged every single day, your limits will definitely be tested. But the most important part of being a teacher is the reward of seeing a student reach success. Here's some specific reasons why I chose to be an educator:
1. Pushing students to do their best.
Teachers are extremely under-appreciated in today's society. We would be nothing without education. We wouldn't have jobs, we wouldn't be successful. Teachers are the reason we become successful adults. They provide education and knowledge that wouldn't exist today without their devotion. Teachers believe in every single student no matter what. We are taught to see the good in everyone, because everyone deserves a chance to be successful. Even the most difficult children are appreciated by teachers in ways that many wouldn't be able to understand.
2. To have a positive impact on others.
I have always wanted to leave a positive impact on others like my past teachers have. I can honestly say that I wouldn't be the person I am today without the teachers that I have had throughout my education. They pushed me to do my best, to always want to do more to better myself. These teachers were devoted to my education, no matter what it took. I am forever in debt to these people, for making me a better person.
3. Sense of purpose.
As a future educator, I feel as though it's my job to help people succeed. I want to be an advocate for children who may not have anyone to help them. They deserve my help as well as my support. I will go above and beyond my students. Every student needs more than just a teacher. They need a friend, a confidante, someone that they feel safe with. I want to be that person for them.
4. Giving and receiving unconditional love.
There is nothing more rewarding than having students that love and adore you. I have subbed for preschoolers before, (which I never in a million years thought I would do) and after a few days one my students told me: "Miss Haevyn, I love you. You are so beautiful." My heart automatically melted. Can you imagine a 4-year-old actually telling you that? It made me the happiest girl in the world to hear that. I want nothing more than to help my students feel like they are important, because they are nothing less.
5. To be a student for life.
As a teacher, you are always and forever in school. This could be a good thing, or it could be a bad thing. It depends on how much you love school! In my opinion, I couldn't be happier. I love being around kids, I love the atmosphere a school gives.
In another aspect, you will always have opportunities to develop your skills professionally. Education is a constantly changing field, which is what makes it so exciting! There are so many classes, conferences and cadres out there to sharpen your skills or learn something new. There's always room for improvement in education. You can also pursue other degrees in education such as administration in a Master's degree.
6. To pay it forward
You are not only teaching for yourself, you are teaching for others. You spend hours upon hours every day trying to improve the way you teach for your students. The smallest action can make a huge different in a student's life. It can inspire them to become a teacher, or inspire them to go to college in the future. All because of you.
7. Because I've had my fair share of bad teachers
Oh yes, we all have. There are teachers who have been teaching forever and ever, and seem like they absolutely hate coming to school every day. I ask myself: why would you want to work with kids when you have a crappy attitude?! It doesn't make sense to me. There needs to be less grumpy teachers in the world, and more teachers who are dedicated to making a positive impact on students.
8. To showcase your creativity with your classroom, assignments, activities, etc.
If you're anything like me, you LOVE to to make things fun and colorful. I cant even tell you how excited I am to decorate my classroom. Students deserve a positive, safe environment. Not a boring classroom with lame posters and ugly painted walls.
There are many reasons why I decided to become a teacher, I could honestly make this list for hours. Here are just a few. If you want to make a difference in a student's life, it is most definitely the most rewarding thing you will ever do. Education is a constantly evolving field, it is so much more than giving out assignments and babysitting kids all day long.
I am always thankful for those people in my life who have inspired me to become a teacher. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for changing my life.
