The Good and Bad of Being a School Teacher

The top benefit of teaching is the difference you make in the lives of your students. While there are plenty of challenges, the days where your lesson goes better than planned, a student proclaims you the best teacher of all time, or you witnessed a struggling student have an “a-ha moment” after your special demonstration, will leave you feeling like teaching isn’t work – it’s a rewarding passion.

Even the most difficult day of teaching will provide you with some positive experiences. You can be confident knowing you have chosen a career that truly helps others. In the words of former first lady, Laura Bush, “my advice is simple: become a teacher…The challenges of teaching are outnumbered only by the rewards that come from helping children realize their dreams.”

Teachers who love young children enjoy seeing the world from their perspective every day. Instilling a love of learning into a child’s life or making him feel valued are priceless benefits of teaching.

Secondary teachers have the opportunity to teach in the field of their interest. You can continue to learn about your passion as you inspire your students. Teachers at the secondary level can take advantage of the idealist views of youth and provide lessons that carry lifelong meaning.

With creativity and the right outlook, the job never becomes boring. Even if you teach freshman English seven times a day, each class of students is different and offers a new experience. Each day brings its own challenges and rewards. Furthermore, teaching is a job that can never truly be mastered. There are always new methods to learn and try, new technology to integrate, and more information to learn about the subjects you teach. Opportunities for professional development and increased education are readily available. Learning never stops in the field of education.

The job schedule of teachers can be a major advantage. Even when the extra hours outside the required workday are calculated, teachers on average work hundreds of hours less than typical professionals. A work day from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. leaves time to have an enjoyable evening. In addition, teachers have the coveted two to three month summer vacation, in addition to winter and spring breaks, which provide time to spend with family and friends, travel, take a cool summer job, pursue other interests, further one’s education, and recharge for another school year.

Also, the schedule works well for raising children. Once they are school age, teachers have the same schedule as their children, which make them available for after school events and snow days.

While the pay is not six figures, teachers do earn a steady income. With yearly increases, contracted raises, and increases from furthered education, a teacher’s salary continually climbs. Not to mention, it is rewarding to receive paychecks all summer long while on vacation. In addition to the salary, teachers typically have excellent health care and retirement packages that add value to the job.