I have been a teacher for 16 years and graduated with my degree in Education in 2006. I have to say that, everyday I’ve been in the classroom since, I’ve learned something new, tried something new, or had a new experience. Every. Day. This job is wild that way.
So, if you want to become a teacher, and you want something different than the usual lists that talk about community and changing lives (all true! but not what I’m talking about here), then read on for my list of why, once you become a teacher, you spend every day continuing to grow.
- Endless excitement
Every single day is different when you’re a teacher. While you might have planned a series of lesson and activities for your students, it’s more likely than not that something will have to change, or something else will come up. Students are inherently unpredictable! I teach Grade 7, so perhaps this is truer than most at this age, but I really don’t think it is. Almost every day I think to myself: well now, self, I’ll bet you didn’t wake up expecting to hear that sentence today. - Endless learning
You have to stay ahead of these people! Kids know so much these days…and often they know more than they should with no idea about what’s truth or rumour. You know how you reach that point in your career or life where you figure you know everything you need to know in order to simply live your life and you can now stop having to learn everyday? Yeah, me neither, because seriously, the moment that I stop learning how to use some form or media or technology then I am doomed. Everything changes so fast for these kids, and we have to keep up. - Storytelling
Kids love this. It’s absolutely the key to everything. Something so simple as a read-aloud is completely enjoyable to everyone I’ve taught so far, and I’ve gone as old as thirteen years old. I would argue that one could read aloud to high school students with similar success, but can’t promise this, since I haven’t done it. Comment on this post if you have, and what it was like, if you feel so inclined!
(Stay tuned…I’ll be posting a list of read aloud books I’ve done this year with reviews of each.)
But here’s the thing, it’s not just about reading aloud to students…it’s about using stories to teach all the things that they have trouble connecting. So much of what they have to learn is distant to them. I mean, consider, Grade 7 includes ancient civilizations where I live, which is a wildly interesting topic to me, but not to kids who really just want to be left alone to play video games and scroll TikTok.
But, tell them to bring a made-up civilization up from 10,000 years ago to present in order to compete with other groups in their class? Create a story that means that they need to find out information about history or they lose a game? Such a win for kids. Now, instead of bored kids, you have kids entering high school with esoteric knowledge on the origins of how to smelt bronze. And other things. A complete win.
So, learn with the kids, and you get an education, too. Everybody wins! - Relationships
Unless you spend a lot of time with kids, it’s hard to explain why this is a reason you should become a teacher. I mean, yes, it’s hard to be a teacher unless you like your students, but these relationships are such a part of teaching successfully. You can learn so much from these people.
Pair this with working with other teachers and you have another win. Even better? Collaborating with other teachers and sharing your best stuff. I’ll be sharing some of my best stuff as I post in this blog, so stay tuned. - It’s fun
Become a teacher, it’s a blast. It really is a lot of fun. Hard to prove this and explain it since it’s also busy, intense, fast-paced, and a lot will be asked of you, but, still, it’s fun.
Becoming a teacher was one of my best choices.
What I’m enjoying this week:
Watching: Loepkky’s Life (358) LoeppkysLife – YouTube
This is a channel on Youtube following the family life of a young mom of three. Her videos are really well done, and she comes across as an extremely likable person. I enjoy watching her interact with her children because she shows such patience and creativity in parenting her kids. I sometimes try to channel my “inner-Delilah” with my own two boys! Also, I love her aesthetic and often find inspiration in both her fashion and decorating style. Her stuff is also interesting and soothing to watch. Highly recommend.