Why I Want to be a Teacher

So I am now in the process of applying to get back into college (graduate studies) and begin taking classes toward my teaching credential. First I have 4 classes that I need to complete as pre-requisities (co-requisities) in the Spring. Then I should be approved for the Credential program, which I am hoping is available to start over the summer, otherwise it will be in fall.

California right now is in crisis mode, like so many other states, and teaching has not been left untouched. Our budget for the state is in serious trouble, and our state legislature remains paralyzed over how to proceed. Not unlike the Congress of our country. Anyway, for the second time in as many years, teachers' unions are facing the unenviable task of trying to decide how to save money in case the state has no help for them, and that usually means layoffs.

In our state, public school teachers receive their tenure after only 2 years. But that does not guarantee protection, especially when they are talking about laying off teachers who have been on the job up to 5 years. And there are plenty of good teachers in that mix. Teachers who are doing the job for all the right reasons....not just for the benefits. And they may be lost while so many veteran teachers (not all of whom are very good at what they do) remain on the job simply due to seniority. I don't want to address this issue right now since it is more complex.

But, the point is, why on earth would I still want to teach, knowing how unstable the profession is? The answer is....I have a passion for it and it is always something I secretly longed to do and never thought I would be in a position to try. I have been teaching as a substitute teacher for the last 4 years and loving every minute of it. I have learned so much from not only the teachers, but the students as well. I cannot imagine doing anything else.

I will work for the students who struggle, not the students who are high achievers and will succeed with or without me, but the ones who just need that extra push to "get it". I love to see when they are on the verge of grasping a concept, and I just keep trying harder to reach them, and when they finally have a breakthrough, it is a victory for both of us. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing that light bulb go on in a child's eyes. They are so proud of themselves, and I am so proud to share in that moment with them. It gives me a thrill that is hard to describe. And they give you so much LOVE in return.

I believe I will be a good teacher...perhaps even a great teacher. Because I want to be great for the kids to get the most out of me for themselves. I want them to understand all of it. Even the hard to reach ones. It sometimes only takes one person in a child's life to make the difference between tuning in or dropping out. And I am going to be working so hard to make them tune in. I think 4th grade may be that pivotal age, my dad and I talked about it. That's the age they try to test the waters...see what they can get away with. And the subjects get harder, and that's when alot of them seem to unplug if they don't get it.

So...I'm going to finish my education, and I will work in the school system. Even if I am unable to get a teaching job right away, I will stay in the academic arena, waiting for the opportunity to serve in the classroom. Turning on a child's mind is the biggest reward for me. I get teary eyed at the kids' plays and achievements, and they're not even mine. It is just such a natural high for me to see that spark, to be surrounded by the joy and exuberance of children.

I cannot wait......