Many education majors are constantly ridiculed and put down for wanting to become a teacher. And honestly, I still cannot quite figure out why. We want to put ourselves in positions that require basically raising children while simultaneously trying to help them understand grammar and math.
We are constantly asked the same questions (personally, I don't mind because I love telling people about my passion for teaching and English) about whether we are "aware" of what is happening to education and the rate at which it is happening.
This post is not to discourage people from asking us questions; please, please, please continue to do so, but more so to raise awareness that if someone wants to become a teacher, he or she truly feels in their heart that a classroom is where they should be.
We feel the same passion in the depths of our bones as the pre-med student who sits beside us in Chem. We may not be preparing to save lives in the same way as the pre-med student who sits beside us in Chem does, but we are preparing to, and will, saves lives by how we raise up our students through learning.
As a friendly suggestion to the next education major that you may talk to, ask them about their specific subject matter and how they may teach it to their students, not just about student loans and workloads. They will be grateful that someone is actually listening to how they plan to change the world that they will teach in.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. -Nelson Mandela
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As the new school year is swiftly approaching, I wanted to answer some questions for not only myself, but other education majors as well that span from the following statement:
"Yes, I am an education major, and I want to be a teacher."
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Yes, I know that teachers do not make as much money as they should.
No, teachers are not in this field for the money.
No, I am one of the lucky ones who will not be drowning in student loans and debt. (My parents are beyond amazing and supportive.)
Yes, I want to spend 40 more years in the school system.
Yes, I know that being a teacher requires more time and effort than "traditional" jobs.
No, teaching is not just about coloring and story time.
No, we are not just "hyped up babysitters."
Yes, I absolutely know that I will be working far more than 40 hours a week.
Yes, voluntarily putting myself in a position to deal with pubescent children will be hard.
Yes, I know that verbal abuse from students may occur.
No, I do not encourage or agree with standardized testing.
Yes, I will still make sure that my students are prepared for the tests anyway.
Yes, actually, I would love to coach.
Yes, I plan to get a master's degree after undergrad.
Yes, it will be in education.
No, not all my students will want to learn.
Yes, I will work with them in whatever way will better help them achieve more.
Yes, I will encourage them, even when they are struggling.
Yes, I have a passion for what I will do.
Yes, I have always wanted to be a teacher.
Yes, I am sure.
Yes, I have looked into other fields.
No, I couldn't change my mind, because I just knew, in my heart, that I belong in a classroom.
So yes, I am an education major and I want to be a teacher because by being a teacher, I will be changing the lives of my students and encouraging them to be whatever they want to be in life. And that includes an education major.
And finally, yes, it will all be totally and completely worth it.
