Why did you become a teacher?

[timmyart]

Hi from Australia,

Just starting out at being a teacher, looking for any tips and tricks to guide me into being the best teacher I can be. Any feedback, jokes, or other helpful hints will be much appreciated

[timmyart]

Thanks and have a wonderful day.

[orlandoteacher]

I never wanted to be anything else. :)

[javamomma]

Well I thought I wanted to be a nurse for 1 sememster and just did not feel that was for me.....
Changed to education and loved it.

[mopar]

Use humor and as much of it as possible. Also read read read...the more you read that more ideas you have.

[leafy seadragon]

Hi what are you teaching? I'm teaching in special ed, originally worked in advertising but this is much more fun. I started out in mainstream but moved to special ed. I love the creativity and the programming on an individual level. It's hard work but you are going to love it. Everyday the kids will hit you with something different and if you are responsive and creative and have a sense of humour it's the best way to spend your day.

[EricDNA]

Be ready for anything and everything good and bad to happen. Don't forget, its the passion of your life, but not the most important. Keep family at the top, most important, they matter the most, enjoy what you do and if you get down, don't blame yourself. You are doing a very difficult job. Keep the faith.

[leafy seadragon]

You know what I love the best - when your best lesson plan goes south and the kids take it off on a tangent you haven't thought of but you go with it and you have your class having a discussion and really engaging. The best lessons can't be planned. Sometimes when it really goes south - the best thing you can do is laugh! Sometimes you have a really hard day but EricDNA is right, let it go ,home and family are important and you need to be careful to keep balanced because it's the sort of job that can take over there is always more to do and puzzles to be solved. You'll love it, you'll hate it but give yourself at least a couple of years to get the hang of it. Too many people doubt themselves and leave in the first year because it's not easy - nothing worthwhile is.

[bella mundi]

It's funny, but I don't even really know how I decided to teach special ed. I kind of woke up one day, and literally decided to do special ed. I have my degree in elementary ed and special ed, but I never, ever wanted elementary education.

I just love special education, and can't imagine doing anything else.

[Kiry]

BE YOU!! :You´ve got to show students the kind human being you are. Guide their souls and motivate their entusiasm for learning. Let them be free and independant. Count 10 before you loose your temper and show respect for them!!They will love you!!:D
KIRY;)

[Steven Edwards]

I think you should have the same dedication to your profession that a physician, pharmacist, or other professional has to theirs.

It's unacceptable for your physician to say, "Here's a leech for that cut."

Or for your pharmacist to say, "I'm pretty sure you can mix these drugs. I think. Umm... maybe not."

Likewise, I would like to see more teachers professionally engaged, aware of current research, and always developing professionally.

I think refraining from generalizing personal classroom experience to the entire field of education is also helpful. What happens to one teacher at one moment in one classroom is not demonstrative of education as a whole.

[SignLangInterpreter]

I started out as a parent volunteer when my youngest son started school. I found that I really enjoyed being in the classroom doing odds and ends for the teachers and helping the students when they needed it. I was asked over a two year period to submit a resumae to be hired, so I thought about it for two years and finally applied, and was hired on full time in the class room. Now 11 years later I am a certified interpreter for the hearing impaired and very much enjoy my job. I feel like if you do not enjoy what you do for work, it is an opportune time to change careers. I will probably retire from here since I do love what I do.

[teach1027]

I became a teacher beacuse I truly love children. Their minds are always going, and it is amazinf what they are thinking. Shaping that is an amazing thing.

[busbus]

You got some good replies to your question. I hope that your experience is going great for you.

This field of work comes with many challenges; but, it's worthwhile when you watch your students achieve. You can have a lot of fun.

I've taught special education for most of my career. I was secondary education trained; but, my first principal asked me to try working in this area. I've enjoyed it. However, I must admit that my students were in the high incidence population, so most of what I did was academic and I adapted the regular education curriculum to accommodate their needs. I did not have to change anyone, feed anyone or work with the Life Skills curriculum.

I take my hat off to those who serve the low incidence population. They are to be applauded.

[kingrichie]

I got started by accident.
I got a job as an Aide because I needed the $. Finally went back and finished school.
Totally blew away everyone around me, even myself. I never really cared much for school.