Teachers- why did you want to go into teaching?

Question

Aside from being a glutton for punishment.

Seriously, I'm looking to refine a good answer for teaching interviews- am very nervous at interviews. From what I remember a trusted friend told me I'd be a great teacher, I'm assuming because I have had a lot of different life experiences, and because I dropped out of school age 15, but went back later and did very well (role model - don't drop out it's a difficult path . . . )

Answer 1

i'm not a teacher but I've heard that they just like being around kids and because they find the subject their teaching interesting. i guess they're usually outgoing and have a lot of energy. not to mention a lot of logic and common sense. i like laid back teachers that really know what they're talking about but still don't act like a bossy know it all. hope this helps. good luck!

Answer 2

I went into teaching because I like being around kids and I also enjoy marking stuff... Ha Ha. It's sort of fun in a way, and I make them happy by playing games to learn instead of work.  

Answer 3

I think there is a misconception here. Anyone can teach, but few can educate. It is a Passion, not for teaching, but for educating. YOu have to WANT to educate. I can teach you how to fish, but, if I educate you as to how you can do this day after day, I will make YOU more successful.

Stay away from PAT ANSWERS. Answers that you've heard and sound more like Canned Applause than reality.

LIfe Experiences only enhance what you do, but, be willing to be flexible. Too many teachers are set in their ways and teach to the MAJORITY and leave the MINORITY behind. You can't do that. TRUE EDUCATORS roll up their sleeves and get after it. TRUE educators make a difference instead of BEING a difference. Its just a simple fact.

Ask kids who their favorite teachers were and you'll find its the teachers that made them work. Made them try. Made them put forth effort. It won't be the teacher who sat at their desk, handing out test and not educating.

Be yourself and be the best.

Answer 4

My father was a carpenter. Every winter there would be a few weeks where he would be out of work. (unemployed) During the Recessions of the 80s and early 90s times were particularly tough. But, in my hometown, I noticed the teachers always had jobs. (Job security) So, maybe they didn't make as much as many other jobs, but their jobs were not effected by down economies. Since I've begun teaching, in 1997, we went from an economy where everyone felt bad for me. (My fellow classmates mostly entered jobs paying 10K more than I was making)... but in this sort of economy, I still have a job paying a living, middle class salary, and many other people are out of work.

So, no... it wasn't for summers off (I work summers mostly too to help make ends meet), or any other reason, except Job Security. I love that I can live in the same town my whole life, and have job security.  

Answer 5

i just really wanted to help the kids out. teachers are the most important people. i figure its probably the best way to change the world. hopefully for the better. think of all the lives you will change!  

Answer 6

http://web.tickle.com/

Answer 7

I did not wish initially to teach. I worked as an independent contractor teaching business machines. I was continually told that I was a great teacher and should be in the NYC system as they were in need of people like me. I have 3 degrees from Hunter College. I started as a sub in PS 26 BX went to PS 109 as a regular and look back on 32 yrs of having contributed to the education of black, spanish and white students many of whom are very successful today. Bluntly, I did not sit on my backside, I taught and don't let anyone ever tell you that there are kids who can't learn. You jest, I assume, about the "glutton for punishment" but with that mindset I would think twice about teaching. Sorry I don't mean to be insulting.