Why Teaching?
It definitely wasn’t for the money, heck no, we all know that teachers don’t make much money and education is despicably funded. It wasn’t because that’s what I wanted to be when I grew up…no way…I NEVER wanted to be a teacher. You must wonder why anyone would want to be an educator. Lesson planning, grading papers, assembling and disassembling classrooms, cutting out traceables, making posters, attending endless meetings, taking work home, using your own money to supply your classroom and students with supplies…the list is endless. It is quite a daunting career. So why on earth did I choose this occupation?
1. Its Genetic
You may think I’m being silly, but teaching is really in my genes! There are 24 teachers in my extended family ( I haven’t met them), my mom is a teacher and my cousin is a teacher. It was only natural that I became one also. I’m the eldest child therefore a perfectionist and bossy. I come by it naturally. So why did I grow up never wanting to be an educator? I watched my mom struggle to find work, struggle to make a good salary, and struggle with report cards. Those dreaded report cards!
2. My Situation
At 30 years old I was divorced and a mom to two wonderful little boys that depended on me. I had been working at a retail big box store and was on the list for the next round of layoffs. Retail wages were not great and the hours were even worse. The company wanted me to work evenings and weekends and I believed that was when I needed to be home for my children. So, I decided to go back to school to provide for my sons and support them through the upheaval they faced with divorced parents.
3. Because I Tried Everything Else!
It’s true, I am “over” educated! When I first decided to go back to school I looked into certification and diploma courses that could get me in and out of school quick and into a job promising to pay me better than minimum wage. Pharmacy technician and medical office assistant seemed like a great career however once I completed the course the field was flooded and it was difficult to find work that didn’t require me to work nights. Other jobs I worked at: optometry, bank teller, house cleaner, daycare worker, just to name a few. Nothing was fulfilling! Nothing made it seem worth all the time I lost with my children. I was so dissatisfied, what would I do?
4. Because I Was Introduced to a Great Teacher!
My eldest son was in first grade and he had this amazing teacher named Mrs. Hill. She was so soft spoken, firm but gentle. She always smiled and dressed so professionally. She had a way of welcoming the parents to her classroom without appointment. She encouraged us parents to get involved even if it meant having lunch with our child in their classroom. She allowed the children to play and wasn’t a proponent of homework. She had a way of creating enthusiasm for learning and a safe environment. I wanted to be just like her!!
5. Because I Made a Difference
Teachers really do make a difference! I remember the day I made a difference for a little boy with behavioral issues who wanted the attention of his classmates but was acting silly to get it. I talked to him and showed him genuine care and interest. Children are great judges of character. What clinched the deal for me was what happened after school. The child told his mom about his day and she came up to where I was standing and said “Thank you. My son told me I needed to meet you. You made his day great!”
How did you stumble into your career? Did you ever think you would be doing what you are doing now?
It’s interesting where life takes you. I always wanted to be a teacher. No one in my family ever had been. I studied to be a teacher, yet never got my credentials. Life certainly is interesting in where it guides you.