Synthesis: Reflection of What I've Learned

Teaching is a career I was very familiar with before I started this blog, being that I have grown up with a mother who is a teacher herself.  That said, I knew much of the basics about teaching already, but throughout the duration of my blog I can honestly say I have learned a lot.  Teaching is often thought of as a very easy job, something that anyone could do, but in reality there is more to it than most people think.  Being a teacher entails many different responsibilities such as:

• Communication
• Time management
• Safety
• Enthusiasm
• Knowing each and every student
• Being an expert at what you teach

All of these things are critical for being a great educator.  The one thing I must stress, as it is the most important thing a person must acquire to be an effective educator is love and passion for their career in teaching.

            Teaching is a very important job, meaning there are many different responsibilities that come with being a teacher.  Besides just teaching from 8:00-3:00 five days a week there are many tasks that must be done in the teachers own time.  They have to plan out all of their lessons, keep in contact with principals, other teachers, administrators, and parents (30 students=60 parents); they are required to attend workshops, take part in school functions, along with many other responsibilities depending on the school.  To do all of these things successfully one must enjoy their job, otherwise where is the motivation or drive to carry out all of the different tasks of a teacher?  Teachers have a vocation rather than a job, “to those with whom you interact most during your day of teaching - the students - you are not an employee but a friend, a mentor and a guide to the world. A teacher makes a difference in the world by enabling each of his or her students to fully maximize their talents, imagination, skills and character” (Teaching Characteristics).  Teaching requires passion and enthusiasm, the students can tell whether a teacher is excited and really cares about them or not, which will affect how well they learn.  I have had a lot of experience with children and the more I work with them the more I realize how excited I am to actually become a teacher, I know I will love my career.

            I have also talked to a few teachers during this blog project, which has really helped to give me more of an insight on the realities of becoming a teacher.  Some of the most frequent advice I received was “don’t become a teacher unless you love it”.  The reason behind this is the fact that teachers don’t make much money and salaries are continuing to decrease as well as the benefits, and the government standards continue to change, the newest addition being the common core; every teacher I’ve talked to strongly dislikes the common core. With that said both of these are major things that may turn people off to becoming a teacher unless they absolutely love it. 

            The bottom line is with whatever career you choose it is important you are passionate about it and know that you will enjoy doing this job—because you’ll most likely be doing that same job most of your life.  This blog post has reinforced the fact that I want to be a teacher, throughout my research, interviews, and experience I definitely believe this I the career I wish to pursue.  Teaching is the right path for me.