In my view, teaching is a very rewarding career that is always changing. I like the excitement of things changing and being able to be creative in how I teach. I love how children find the simple happiness in something (like playing in dirt or chewing gum in class) and I thoroughly enjoy working with children. I have worked in a wide variety of settings with children. One particular job I had I was working with a young boy who had autism and I have to say I probably got more out of working with him than he did of me working with him. "Why Teach?" was asked of us in class and the answers that were given were:
1) Desire to work with children
2) Desire to make a difference
3) To follow in the footsteps of former teachers who inspired us
4) The passion for this career
5) The practical benefits
I think these are all great descriptors to the above question. I can tell you I did not grow up my whole life thinking that I wanted to be a teacher. I first wanted to be a stay at home mom. Next, was a hairdresser, optometrist, retail buyer (by the way, who wouldn’t want to be a buyer for Bloomingdales, like Rachel off of the TV show Friends?) lawyer, teacher and last but not least, work in finance. These careers changed all of the time (I am not the most decisive person)! The reason why they changed so much was a result of the role models I had in my life. These role models were my parents, my parent’s friends, my aunts and uncles and finally my teachers. These people allowed me to dream to be all of these careers through their love, support and encouragement. I hope that as a teacher, whatever “phase” a student is going through, whether that is being the next WWE wrestler (world wrestling entertainer) or a Grade 5 teacher, I hope that I can help support that student, as was done for me.
I am excited, as well as nervous and whole mix of other emotions to start my career in teaching. I think this next year and half will fly by and we all we be busy in our first year of teaching! After writing this blog I can sum this question up a lot easier now. Why teach? To be inspirational, to be someone who people can depend on and go to for help, to encourage others to go for their dreams and support them on their journey there.
