Teachers are a special group of people. They face a great deal of criticism, often receive abysmal pay for their work, and deal with a clientele, if you will, that often does not appreciate the efforts of their teachers. Yet, they continue to go to work with the education of their pupils as their chief goal. They deal with lack of funding and much criticism from both parents and politicians, and they get a great sense of satisfaction knowing they’ve made a difference in the life of a child.
Why do most teachers get into the field? Ask any of them, and they’ll tell you it’s not for the pay. However, being a teacher is a rewarding field in more ways than one.
1. Teachers enjoy seeing that “light bulb” go off in their students’ eyes.
Teachers truly want to see their students learn. They spend hours pouring over lesson plans, creating lessons that are engaging as well as educational. They do this because it is indescribable seeing that “light bulb” moment for kids, especially those who struggle to grab concepts.
2. Teachers enjoy making a difference in their students’ lives.
Unfortunately, not every child comes to school properly clothed, properly fed, or even properly loved. Many teachers find themselves providing that love for their students. Even when working with students who do come from loving homes, teachers enjoy encouraging their students. Teachers enjoy knowing that their believing in their students helps them to work harder at achieving their goals. Many teachers get letters or messages from kids years later stating what a difference that teacher made in that kid’s life. That is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching.
3. Teachers are off during the summer months and can travel.
Sure, there are many emotionally satisfying aspects of teaching, but there are some perks that can enrich a teacher’s life in material ways. Teachers are typically out of school during the months of June and July (depending on where you teach; some schools do not release students for the summer until the end of June). Either way, you have paid time off and can travel if you please. This is a great way to prepare yourself mentally for returning to the classroom in the fall.
4. Women with small children will be on the same schedule as their children; therefore, you won’t be worried with hiring a babysitter during the summer and during school breaks.
This is a great caveat for women who teach. Women who work outside the home often find themselves hiring a sitter for school breaks and the summer months because they do not share the same schedule as their children. Women who have school aged children and are teachers will likely even have their children enrolled at the school in which they teach, adding extra benefits to the job.
5. Most states have a great pension for teachers.
Sure, the pay might not be great at times, but most states have a great retirement plan for teachers. You’ll be able to retire at approximately twenty-five years of service, which leaves you able to work in other sectors or simply enjoy retirement. For teachers who begin teaching at age twenty-two, this means you can retire before age fifty. With the average lifespan of seventy-two, this means you will be able to enjoy many years of retirement – and you’ll still have an income!
6. Teaching gives you the opportunity to be part of the community in a positive way.
Remember, you are shaping young minds by working as a teacher. You’ll be a positive influence not only on the generation you teach, but on their children as well.
Teaching is something that has many positive aspects for both the teacher and students. Considering becoming a teacher? It is a decision that you won’t regret.