Should I Be a Teacher? — Teaching Heart & Soul

It seems like so many of the people I meet today are teachers, are becoming a teacher, or are retired teachers. With so many individuals in this field, there must be a good reason for it!

Perhaps you're wondering if becoming a teacher is a good fit for you.

Here are several reasons to get into education!

Already know you want to teach? Check out your state’s requirements HERE.

#1 The Schedule

One of the first reasons to become a teacher is the schedule. Teachers work about 190 days out of the year, rather than the typical 245 days. This means that you will have several weeks of vacation time to look forward to throughout the year.

Teachers also enjoy a variety of breaks from school throughout the year. Fall break, winter break, and paid holidays provide you with an opportunity to step away from the classroom and enjoy some time off.

This paid time off can be especially beneficial if you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed during the school year. By taking time away from the classroom, you can come back refreshed and better equipped to teach.

As a teacher, I looked forward to the next 3 or 4-day weekend, spring break, whatever was next! I never understood how other people worked year-round without any break from the grind.

The teaching schedule is also great for parents. Having the same breaks as your children means that you can spend more time with your family. (and can avoid a lot of childcare costs!)

This is true of the daily schedule as well, especially if your children attend the school you teach at. Working 9-5 doesn't quite line up with your children's school day like being a teacher does!

#2 The Summers

One of the biggest perks of becoming a teacher is having the summers off!

Teachers have several weeks of time off school during the summer months. This means that you will have time to go on vacations, get projects done, do the things you love, and enjoy the sunshine!

Having the summer off can provide a much-needed break from the demands of the school year, allowing you to recharge.

This perk is also beneficial for parents.

With the same summer break as their children, many teachers can spend more quality time with their kids.

Having the summers off gives you the opportunity to create long-lasting memories with your loved ones and build stronger family bonds.

#3 Variety

One of the benefits of being an elementary school teacher is that you have a variety of responsibilities and content to teach. This keeps the job interesting and engaging.

As an elementary school teacher, you will not only be responsible for creating engaging lesson plans but also for grading student work and collaborating with other educators to ensure that the young people in your classroom are receiving the best possible education.

As a teacher, you can spend time on a project in your class, and, when you're finished, move onto something else.

You can teach different novel studies and types of essays, you can work through different science units, and you can break out different math manipulatives to teach different concepts.

You're always doing something new and different in education. There are new challenges that arise and new solutions to figure out!

#4 Teaching Life Lessons

When you become a teacher, you have a unique opportunity to teach life lessons that go beyond the academic curriculum.

These lessons can help your kids succeed in life.

From building social-emotional skills, to problem-solving and critical thinking, elementary teachers play a significant role in the development of their students beyond education.

Social Skills

Teachers are in a unique position to help with social skills, as their classroom is an environment where children are interacting with their peers regularly. A great teacher helps students share, take turns, and solve problems in a respectful and constructive way.

Responsibility

Good teachers also help students learn to take responsibility for themselves.

They do this by helping their kiddos learn to take care of their belongings, keep an agenda, complete their schoolwork, and turn things in on time.

Self-Confidence

Many children struggle with insecurities, but great teachers can help them develop self-confidence by encouraging them to believe in themselves and their abilities.

Teachers can do this by setting them up for success and ensuring that tasks are not so challenging that they demoralize the child. Scaffolds and supports are a great way to help kids find success this way.

A good teacher will also teach a growth mindset, reminding students that they are always able to improve if they have the right attitude.

Creativity

School is a great environment to allow children to develop their creativity and imagination. They can do this through creative writing and class projects.

It's amazing to see what kids can come up with when they're given the freedom to do so!

Problem-Solving

One last life lesson elementary teachers impart on their pupils is critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

They teach their students the important elements of problem-solving, such as how to analyze information, consider multiple perspectives, and find solutions to complex problems.

#5 Building Relationships

One of the reasons I chose this career was because of the relationships I was building as an afterschool care provider. I was so excited about how much of a difference I was making with those kids!

Building meaningful relationships with students is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a teacher.

When students feel that their teacher cares about them personally, they are more likely to feel motivated and engaged in their education. This connection can help develop a sense of belonging in the classroom, which can lead to better academic performance, as well as greater social and emotional well-being.

Through building meaningful relationships with students, you can also act as a role model and mentor, providing guidance and support to help students navigate the challenges they may face both inside and outside of the classroom. But the relationship is what opens up the door to these opportunities and meaningful conversations.

As a teacher, you can offer encouragement, empathy, and a listening ear, which can help students feel heard and understood. This kind of support can be especially important for students who are facing difficult circumstances at home or in their personal lives.

You have the opportunity to positively impact your students by creating a safe and supportive community. By creating a positive classroom culture that values respect, inclusivity, and kindness, you can help young people feel seen, heard, and valued.

#6 Joy

In the classroom, I have heard hilarious jokes, seen classmates crush on each other, been given sweet notes and adorable drawings, found hidden talents, and received hugs galore!

The fun community you find in the classroom is what makes a teaching career worth it.

Interacting with young people can bring so much joy and laughter.

Kids have a natural sense of wonder and curiosity that can make even the most routine tasks feel fresh and exciting. Their enthusiasm for learning and exploration can be contagious, creating an environment that is both lively and engaging. As a teacher, you have the opportunity to be a part of this vibrant atmosphere every day.

When students are excited and engaged in their learning, they are more likely to retain new knowledge and develop a love of learning that will serve them well throughout their lives.

#7 Sense of Purpose

Elementary teaching is a profession that can give teachers a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment. By working with young children, educators have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of their students and shape their futures in meaningful ways.

Seeing young people grow and succeed can be incredibly rewarding, and can give teachers a sense of accomplishment that is hard to match in other professions.

As an elementary teacher, you have the opportunity to help students develop critical skills and knowledge that will serve them well throughout their lives. Whether it's helping a struggling student to improve their reading ability, teaching the basics of math and science, or promoting important social and emotional skills like empathy and communication, your work as a teacher can make a real difference in the lives of your students.

And when you see your students succeed, whether it's through academic achievements, personal growth, or developing a love of learning, you can feel a deep sense of pride and accomplishment.

#8 Making a Difference

The best part of teaching, for me, is the difference I get to make in each child's life.

I have helped an angry child learn to deescalate in a stressful situation.

I have provided a safe place for a child whose home life was uncertain.

I have believed in a child who lacked confidence and helped grow their self-esteem.

Seeing academic growth is great. It’s exciting! It’s a measurable way to see that you are doing well. It’s definitely part of the reason I enjoy being a teacher.

But seeing my kiddos grow socially and emotionally, seeing them build up life skills, seeing them become better as human beings, that’s what motivates me to keep going at it.

Teaching is an investment. To see a return on that investment is what makes it all worth it.

Elementary teachers have the unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of their students and have a positive influence on future generations.

As an elementary teacher, you play a crucial role in shaping young minds and preparing children for a lifetime of learning and growth. By providing quality education and teaching important life skills, you can help your students become well-rounded individuals who are prepared to face the challenges of the future.

Whether it's teaching kids how to read, write, and do math, or helping them develop important social and emotional skills, the work of an elementary teacher can have a lasting impact on students' lives.

By providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment, you can help your students develop a love of learning that will stay with them for years to come.

Perhaps the greatest impact of being an elementary teacher is the opportunity to influence future generations. By helping students develop important skills and knowledge, you are shaping the minds of the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators.

Whether your students go on to be doctors, engineers, or artists, you can be proud of the role you played in helping them achieve their goals and make a positive impact on the world.

Conclusion

No one gets a teaching job for the paycheck. Many of the teachers I know have more than one job and a second income from a spouse. So, if your priority is a high yearly salary, teaching may not be ideal.

However:

if you want a schedule that lines up with your children's school year ...

if you want something that stays interesting and allows for change ...

if you want to make a difference ...

teaching may be just the thing for you!

As you decide whether start a new career and become a teacher, think about the future you will be shaping, the children you will be growing, and the opportunities you will have.

I have loved seeing the impact I have had on the children in my classroom.

When you see the young people you teach grow and succeed, you can feel a sense of pride and accomplishment that can make all the hard work and dedication of teaching more than worth it.

Should I Be a Teacher? 8 Reasons to Pursue Teaching