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I didn't learn much about how to manage a classroom until I
was a student teacher.
Being a student teacher is an in-between step between
college and full-time teaching. I was able to spend time
with a real teacher in her classroom, studying her methods.
It was really helpful.
Now I've been a teacher for years, and every day is always a challenge, but the rewards are great. The biggest perk of my job is watching a kid "get it." I can see the moment when they finally understand something, and it still gives me a thrill. There are some downsides to teaching, such as the long hours that we put in. Everyone assumes that teachers have a lot of free time because we have the summers off, but no one sees the hours of extra time we put in, including on the weekends and during the summer. Although the school day lasts six hours, I put in nine to ten hours of work per day, arriving at least an hour before school starts, staying long after the end of the school day, and taking work home at night. Much of my time is spend on grading, entering grades into the computer, and planning lessons. My job is hard, but I love it. If you have the calling to be a teacher—and you'll probably know it if you do—don't let people discourage you from pursuing your dream. The best teachers are those with passion. |