Too much misconception is out there regarding the wonderful job of being a teacher. When we are concerned with the information we hear then we need to take action. Get a local newspaper to come into your class and showcase learning, ask the local business owners to speak on career day or at anytime the subject matches your content, get aprents to volunteer in the classroom, get "outside" folks involved and actually seeing what we do on a daily basis. They will become our strongest advocates when the topic comes up about "how easy it is to teach".
If you hear someone make a comment about our profession then we need to "gently" give those folks the real information. Of course the reverse is true, we can't stand in line at the grocery story and complain about our jobs, the students, the parents. We also need to behave in a professional manner. Be aware who might overhear your comments or read your posts. We need to also educate the public and those who have the misunderstandings about our work.
Apr 27 20113:41 PM
Teaching - as a profession, lifestyle and choice // Alix Peshette
I am a third generation teacher. It runs in my family and was a constant topic of discussion when we all got together. Other Teacher Lounge members have commented on the evenings of work and summers of training.
My father used to work on tour ships during the summer because his teaching salary wasn't enough to support a family of four. He made two months of his teacher salary in less than 30 days at sea.
Teachers teach because we are passionate about helping kids shape their future.
-Alix
Apr 27 20112:48 PM
Teaching Is The Hardest Job I Ever Had!! // Paula Stephan
I want everyone to know that teaching is the hardest job I have ever had....except maybe for being a mom :)
I think one of the common misconceptions regarding teaching is that we get off work at 3 every day and have weekends and summers off...so it's easy. Maybe it's because I'm a first year teacher, but it seems like I am constantly working. My weekends are at least half-filled with school work and I definitely work each evening during the week.
First of all, I would start by stating that my job goes beyond just teaching. Just teaching would be teaching the California State Standards in an effective way and that's it. I also teach kids how to be kind and compassionate individuals. I try to show kids that they can become more than their current situation may dictate. As a teacher, I try to open up my student's eyes to the possibilities of a beautiful, fulfilling future. I try to teach them the tools and skills necessary for meeting their goals and finding resources to take them where they want to go. People think we have it so easy because we have summer off, never noting the hours we spend outside of school. Most nights, after my kids are in bed, I am either grading papers, thinking up ways to make mitosis interesting (no easy task!), or online looking for lab ideas (Thanks Brokers Of Expertise!). I love teaching and I wouldn't have it any other way.
There are a lot of misconceptions about what it means to be a
teacher to the non-teaching public, particularly during years when
local and state budgets are tight. What do you wish people
knew about the realities of being a teacher?
Twila Whitney
I'd like them to know just how much time and money that teachers actually put into teaching their students.
Cthy Szychulda // Cathy Szychulda
Too much misconception is out there regarding the wonderful job of being a teacher. When we are concerned with the information we hear then we need to take action. Get a local newspaper to come into your class and showcase learning, ask the local business owners to speak on career day or at anytime the subject matches your content, get aprents to volunteer in the classroom, get "outside" folks involved and actually seeing what we do on a daily basis. They will become our strongest advocates when the topic comes up about "how easy it is to teach".
If you hear someone make a comment about our profession then we need to "gently" give those folks the real information. Of course the reverse is true, we can't stand in line at the grocery story and complain about our jobs, the students, the parents. We also need to behave in a professional manner. Be aware who might overhear your comments or read your posts. We need to also educate the public and those who have the misunderstandings about our work.
Teaching - as a profession, lifestyle and choice // Alix Peshette
I am a third generation teacher. It runs in my family and was a constant topic of discussion when we all got together. Other Teacher Lounge members have commented on the evenings of work and summers of training.
My father used to work on tour ships during the summer because his teaching salary wasn't enough to support a family of four. He made two months of his teacher salary in less than 30 days at sea.
Teachers teach because we are passionate about helping kids shape their future.
-Alix
Teaching Is The Hardest Job I Ever Had!! // Paula Stephan
I want everyone to know that teaching is the hardest job I have ever had....except maybe for being a mom :)
teaching misconceptions // Candice Sowden
realities of teaching // Wendy Marsters
First of all, I would start by stating that my job goes beyond just teaching. Just teaching would be teaching the California State Standards in an effective way and that's it. I also teach kids how to be kind and compassionate individuals. I try to show kids that they can become more than their current situation may dictate. As a teacher, I try to open up my student's eyes to the possibilities of a beautiful, fulfilling future. I try to teach them the tools and skills necessary for meeting their goals and finding resources to take them where they want to go. People think we have it so easy because we have summer off, never noting the hours we spend outside of school. Most nights, after my kids are in bed, I am either grading papers, thinking up ways to make mitosis interesting (no easy task!), or online looking for lab ideas (Thanks Brokers Of Expertise!). I love teaching and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Public misconceptions about teaching? // MaryRose Lovgren
There are a lot of misconceptions about what it means to be a teacher to the non-teaching public, particularly during years when local and state budgets are tight. What do you wish people knew about the realities of being a teacher?