Why Do People Teach???

I think there are many reasons why people choose teaching as a career.   I agree with the website "studentorg.richmond.edu/kdp/hoke.pdf” in that, “Teaching is a vocation rather than a job.” To me, a major reason is the sense of fulfillment one gets when they look at a child’s face.  This is especially true when a child really begins to understand something you have taught them.  As an teacher you can make the difference in the life of this child.  I often think of education as if you were constructing a house.  Without a strong foundation, the house would fall.  Kids need the strong foundation so they can keep adding the levels and learn more and more each day.

Many people who decide to become teachers really want to make a difference in the child’s life.  Sometimes the only stability a child has is the bond he or she builds with their teacher.  We do not know the home environment the child comes from; however, sometimes it may not be the best of circumstances.  At least a teacher can provide stability to the child even if it is for six hours per day.  Sometimes, no all the time, teaching goes beyond the academics.  I once heard of the “hidden curriculum” which means the teacher, especially at the elementary level is the nurse, coach, educator, sitter, counselor, social worker, and friend all rolled up into one. 

Good teachers have a love for children and it is apparent the moment you walk into the classroom.  As an observer you can get the feeling that it is a learning community in which academics as well as social activity is taking place.  People get into teaching because they want to create a learning environment in which everyone takes an active role. Everyone is a stakeholder from the teacher to the child.  Good teachers also realize  they can learn from their students.

Some people teach because they are concerned about the future and want to make certain the country is in good hands.  When you really think about, it will be our children who will someday run our country.  Teachers realize this and they are taking an active part in our future by educating.

Some people teach because they enjoy the atmosphere.  The sense of community that happens in the classroom can be very invigorating.  Other people become teachers because they know very early on in their own life that they enjoy spreading knowledge and it provides them with a feeling of fulfillment.  There are numerous reasons why people want to teach.  I suggest you follow up on some of these reasons on the article written by Rhonda Day on the website ”www.helium.com/items/633186-teachers-why-do-we-want-to-teach”