'Why I want to be a teacher', is the most important question that you've to answer before you plunge into make this highly esteemed profession as your career. While you give a serious thought about becoming a teacher, go through this article that will guide you on some major issues that need to be addressed before you give your soul and heart to this profession....
Since the inception of human civilizations, the tradition and culture of sharing knowledge to the younger generation has been an integral part of the lifestyle. Teachers have been revered with gratitude and have always been considered to be the contributors in the development of society. As the wheels of time have progressed, teaching jobs have become a recognized profession, thanks to the awareness about importance of literacy and education in the world.
In the US, the career opportunities in this field have shown an unprecedented growth as skilled teachers are now in demand. Frankly, becoming a teacher is not a very difficult task. With some educational degrees and passing few certificate exams, you can become a teacher. Right?? No. Absolutely wrong. Teaching must be considered more than a profession. So, let's know the parameters that you should ponder over for the question, 'why I want to be a teacher'.
Why I Want to be a Teacher #1: Dive Deep into Your Inner Desire!
OK, we all know the basic requirements to become a teacher and we've decided to pursue it after our college life, but hold on for few minutes, and think. Who is deciding the career for you? Is it a family decision or peer pressure? Job of a teacher can never be forced upon anyone. If it's forced, the quality and intention of teaching are bound to suffer. So, talk to the inner you and think seriously about it. Give a thought to the teachers you were associated with, during your kindergarten classes, grade 6th schooling and at high school. Weren't they all, in some way, an inspiration for you?
For me, personally, one of my college teachers was just the person to go to for every question and queries. He was a strict disciplinarian and simultaneously a very good friend to his students. I just loved sitting for his social science lectures. So the basic question you've to ask yourself is, do you want to help students achieve their full potential? Do you wish to be an element of change for the increasing chaos and unrest among the younger generation? I don't say, that you can individually do all this, but you can at least contribute. Each one of us is precious for their contribution, in whatever forms, for making the world a better place to live in.
Good teacher qualities are always reflected in the students. While many of you may disagree with this view point but you must have seen indirectly or directly, the habits and teachings of our teachers, influence us. Look into your own heart and see what qualities of yours have been influenced by your teachers.
Why I Want to be a Teacher #2: Right Sets of Skills!
Now, you know the answer to this question, 'why do I want to teach'. So next step is to do a practical analysis of your educational qualification and academics so that you know what makes a good teacher. It is to be understood that a teacher must be skilled in the subject he teaches, so that the students can understand and assimilate the basic concepts of a topic thoroughly and clearly.
It is one of the responsibilities of a teacher, that he must take efforts to make the students understand the subject in detail and with clear explanations. And undoubtedly, all this demands a good educational background. So if you're in college and love to study a subject in detail or a research oriented person, then you can surely think of pursuing a career in teaching.
Now a days, the requirements for becoming a teacher for kindergarten, elementary school and college level have changed in more ways than one. A master's degree in the respective field along with passing various exams as well as some research courses are generally expected from aspirants who wish to become a teacher. You can know more on how to become a kindergarten teacher.
Why I want to be a Teacher #3: Financial Benefits!
While choosing any career, salary is definitely a crucial parameter. And why not? Who doesn't want to earn a decent pay package? If you're interest and inclination is towards the teaching profession but you're concerned about your salary, relax, you can stop being overly concerned about the salary range of teachers.
Be it the elementary school teacher salary range or the kindergarten teacher salary range, with work experience and focus, you can be assured of an excellent career. The salary range for teachers in elementary and middle schools, on an average is USD 50,000 and increases with work experience. If you are placed in some good school that has better infrastructure and funding, you may enjoy other perks and insurance claims. Gradually, as you'll advance in this field, your earnings will increase.
One of the benefits of becoming a teacher is that you have job security and peace of mind. Not many jobs give you the scope for comfortable working hours and a relaxed environment to work with the bright, young brains of the nation. Isn't it a joy, more than one can ask for? Having said that I would also like to add that the challenges of managing a whole bunch of naughty students is definitely not easy but then it is a part of the profession and that's what for teachers are. Their love transcends students.
So, hope these are some good reasons to be a teacher. Hope this article will be helpful to you in answering your question, 'why I want to be a teacher'. If you've grown up dreaming to be a teacher, then without any hesitation, you should go for this career. In the words of Cicero, "What nobler employment, or more valuable to the state, than that of the man who instructs the rising generation." All the best!!