What's it like to be a teacher?
350529
it is definitely rewarding, but the reward comes at a cost for some teachers...everything's a trade-off...i taught HS Sp. Ed., now i sub...i would rather teach full time again, but it's not always as easy to find a good teaching job as you might think...\n\ni really enjoyed being in the classroom...i would be thrilled when i knew i had gotten through to the kids in some way...\n\nnow, every position/school is different, but here are some everyday basics: a lot of paperwork, a lot of planning (for lessons, etc. - lesson plans are as hard as you want to make them, but there are many things to consider: dept. scope and sequence, state standards, district standards, modifications for different level students in the same class, plus you have to make it work in practice and make it interesting and enjoyable), a lot of grading/organizing, a lot of disciplining (depends on the class/teacher), a LOT of politics (the main thing i hate) - you will have to deal with some very unsavory people - be they administrators, fellow teachers or parents - a lot of meetings (department, school, parents), IEP (even for general ed), hearings, etc., a lot of phone calls and e-mails, a lot of time trying to figure out the grade software and get everything in on time, progress reports - and, of course, periodic professional evaluations/classroom observations by administrators, a lot of "staff development" - the education business is still a business and it's usually run like one...i'm a little cynical about it, but i only enjoyed teaching when i was in the classroom, which is about 50% of the job...\n\nsome people have a natural talent for all these things, but most of us struggle with at least half of them...do the rewards outweigh the negatives? you'd have to give it a try to see if you like it.\n\nyou never forget the kids you work with though, and the hope that you may have changed their life in some way...
425569
It's a great job with the normal headaches and red tape b.s.\n\nI believe the most important teachers are the primary teachers. If the kids get a good handle on reading and writing at the early stages, things go much easier.\n\nGet your master's degree as soon as possible because the extra money is nice. Vacation days and health insurance is usually pretty good in most school districts. Retirement for a teacher makes social security a joke.\n\nIf you do become a teacher, have high goals of achievement for the kids and yourself. Make earning an "A" difficult. It should be. Forget self-esteem psychology and work on self-acceptance.\n\nGood Luck
263289
I had a math teacher, I actually felt sorry for him. He could not control the class at all. He would write on the board and there would be spit wads all over the board and in his hair. It was impossible to learn anything in his class. Some people just don't belong in the teaching profession.
1084149
A good teacher is one who knows the capabilities of the students and makes sure that they are met.  They know when a student is frustrated and will find them help to get them to the point with the class without making it obvious that they are struggling.  A good teacher knows when a student is bored to death, and will liven the class up to the point where students aren't as bored.  They are usually kind to other members of the faculty and treat everyone with respect and show compassion and the good characteristics of humans.
1170440
Hey!\nI just got accepted onto a teacher training course two days ago (GCSE English) and it has made me so happy! I wasn't sure at first, and thought I'd just apply and see how I got on, but when I was accepted I was absolutely thrilled!\nIt's a rewarding job, certainly, and everything that you do will have a huge impact on peoples' lives. You'll never have the same day twice and you'll always be learning. I think you should go for it. Even if you decide in a few years that it's not for you, you'll still have made a bit of cash and it's a great stepping-stone into other lines of work, as it shows how flexible and bright you are.
221266
WELL I WOULD SAY UNCW SOME PEOPLE I KNOW WANT TO BE A TEACHER AND THEY WENT THERE AND THEY R TEACHERS NOW AND SOME OF MY TEACHERS WENT THERE!!!
160931
What area?\nWhat kind of teacher?\n\nGo to this website to get a basic idea:\nhttp://www.salary.com/
308410
well i cant choose for you but in my opinion even tho teachers dont get paid that much its a good and fun job. the kids are great. but what you have to do is see what fits you the most you cant plan your hole life day by day cuz you never know what will happen you cant prepare for every mistake that might happen  because if you do you will be depprest the rest of your life you just have to take it day by day and see what happens things always have a way of working themselves out \n\n\ngood luck and all the best
987077
Have a good attitude. Most teachers have great ideas that cannot fly without students being willing to go on the journey.  Nobody can have fun if they are constantly being corrected or yelled at nor can a teacher be fun if they are always weary of behavior.
344517
Teaching. I was 42 before I began substituting, made an attempt at college.  In 2000 I got a job as a teacher's aide which ended up with me having my own classroom.  Consequently, I have restarted college (now that my children are grown), and I love what I do!  I love the interaction with the students, even when it is difficult.  I find it challenging to connect with them @ their level.\nI look forward to the day I become a certified teacher, which will take at least 5 more years.  But, like you asked, this is my calling. I also teach Sunday school and that too is a joy.
926420
Follow your teachers' instructions. \nBe polit and courteous.\nArrive on time and attend regularly.\nComplete your homework/coursework and meet deadlines.\nListen carefully.\nTake an active part in lessons by asking/answering questions and completing everything set.\nRead around your subjects to broaden your knowledge and understanding.\nAbove all try your best!
911095
I am 36 and this is my eighth year teaching.  The first 1-3 years are tricky because you have to figure out how to NOT spend 2-3 hours after the fact grading papers.  It took me about 2 years to figure out what works for me and what doesn't.  I spend a lot of time around positive people who love their jobs and who are willing to share and receive new ideas.  I keep a binder of ideas, good and terrible, to help me keep from making mistakes over and over.  As far as the pay goes...yeah, I'm underpaid.  But you know what?  I work 180 days a year from 7:30-3:30.  I am out of school when my child is out of school.  I do something everyone of those 180 days a year that really matters.  Talk to people who love their jobs and see if they say things that sound appealing to you.  Truth is...nobody ever decided to be a teacher because the pay is awesome or because it is easy as pie.  Folks who love teaching either feel called to do it, love kids, enjoy the opportunity to do something different in the summer (I got my real estate license and sell at my will), etc.  If you have a deep feeling that it isn't the right thing for you, move on.  There are children who deserve a teacher who wants to be there and who feel good about their work.
32255
For some yes.  For others, it's a job.   But considering how little we pay them, you'd think there's something else there besides just a job.\n\nNow consider this.  Teachers are human too.  They have good days and bad.  They have favorites (even if they don't say it).  So what you are feeling might be some of that.
706722
Not at all! Teaching is a physically and intellectually challenging job, and most teachers are up to the task. Those who are not should be weeded out to seek employment elsewhere. There are many who "can't" who TRY to teach, but they "can't" do that either.\n\nChow!!
565667
Teaching is a vocation, not simply a career. \n\nTo be a good teacher, you must be an entertainer.  You must be willing and able to make yourself look a little silly sometimes to capture the interest and attention of your students. \n\nRemember every day of your teaching life that a mind is a terrible thing to waste. \n\nA candle must be burning to light another candle.\n\nMost of the time, most of us, including students and parents, are doing the best they can with what they have, with what they have financially, emotionally, intellectually, physically, etc.  \n\nThere is nothing as unequal and unfair as the equal treatment of unequals.\n\nYou get respect by giving respect.\n\nRemember that for the most part the bright and interested and motivated kids don't really need us much.  They learn and progress and succeed as much in spite of us as because of us.  It is the kids who are struggling who really need us.\n\nRead "Three Letters from Teddy".  Use them as a guide in your own teaching.
1081715
Greetings\n\nWhat has your experience been at your school?\n\nWhat have you learned?\n\nHighlights?\n\nTeachers\n\nWhat are you looking forward to, future plans\n\nWhat advice?\n\nThank yous.
576488
Remember that teaching in real life and teaching "concepts" and "methods" they teach you in school are very very different.  You have to be resourceful, patient, resilient, confident, creative, and strong!!!  Dealing with students daily is not easy and sometimes feel like a battle.  Also, there is a lot of politics involved with the administration and parents.  Be prepared for the worst and reap your rewards!