2017 Roundup Post

20 Educators Share What They Love Most about Teaching

Photo by Wokandapix
Photo by Wokandapix

 

Here at ReadyJob.org our goal is to provide support via curriculum and activities to the educators who do the hard work every day in our nation’s schools.

There’s no denying that teachers are the heartbeat of our education system. Our society would be lost without them. And yet, recently, we’ve noticed an alarming trend: Fewer young people than ever are becoming teachers. In fact, the number of students majoring in education has reached a 45-year low.

With an eye toward encouraging today’s young people to become teachers, we asked a group of educators a simple, but powerful, question:

What is the most rewarding aspect of teaching?

Equal parts heartfelt, wise, and inspiring, the responses were more than we could have hoped for. We share a few of our favorites below presented in the order they were received:

“Getting to know young people and helping them see the potential within themselves. There is no price tag for that feeling!”
~Roseanne Cheng, TeachableLit.com

“While I am not an official teacher, I do help teach basic concepts during my storytimes. The most rewarding aspect is hearing how my storytimes helped my kids in preschool. Things like listening, respecting others, and following directions.”
~Jennifer Salabsky, MakingOurLifeMatter.com

“The silent fulfillment that comes from the realization you are changing the world by cultivating excellence in a generation of ethical, responsible Global Digital Citizens.”
~Lee Watanabe Crockett, GlobalDigitalCitizen.org

Photo by Monoar
Photo by Monoar

 

“Teaching for me is more than a job, it’s even more than a profession. Teaching is a mission. I have the utmost respect for the craft of education and all that is involved with teaching. The most rewarding aspect of teaching is the relationships I make with the children and how those relationships help me develop an educational program that best fits their needs. When I get it right, their ‘aha’ moments are priceless!”
~Lori Smith, TwoTeachersontheEdge.com

“Teaching has many rewarding aspects. If you view teaching as a just a job you are mistaken and you will not be doing the children any favors. Everyone remembers their school experiences, both positive and negative ones, even when they are old. These experiences can make or break your love of learning and your self worth. To reach every student by connecting and encouraging them daily should be an educator’s goal. Teaching is not just standing in front of the class spewing information and lecturing, it is to inspire the desire to want to learn and discover even more. Inspiring the love of learning and finding the hidden gifts of each of your students is life altering for both the student and for the teacher. When you show a child what they can be, you really are changing the world. This passion must show, this love of the child and learning has to be your daily purpose. Teaching can be the best profession in the world, but isn’t easy.”
~Amy Loring, TwoTeachersontheEdge.com

“Seeing students ‘get it,’ that moment when they understand a new concept and get excited about learning.”
~Chase March, ChaseMarch.com

“The potential of helping students thrive long-term.”
~Doc Meek, DocMeek.com

“Interacting with students.”
~Kim Caise, KimCaise.com

“If you feel passionate about teaching, this profession will bring you many rewards. Teaching is one of the professions in which the human aspect becomes most important. You get to know many interesting people, whether it be kids, teenagers or adults, and each of them will provide you with memories and experiences which you will never forget. And the best part of it is that apart from getting to know these people, you actually get to help them, guide them, and see how they develop their potential thanks to your efforts. For this reason, teaching can also feel a little overwhelming, given the great responsibility you have as a teacher, but if you love helping and dealing with people, it is probably the most rewarding profession there is.”
~Luis Porras Wadley, KeepSmilingEnglish.com

“Making an impact on a child as a whole person – on their character – in addition to the impact on them as a student.”
~Mike Stutman, InspireMyKids.com

“The relationships you form with students is so important. If you do this right, the students will enjoy being with you, you will enjoy being with them, and discipline issues will mostly vanish.”
~Dr. Doug Green, DrDougGreen.com

“Working with students, for sure! Seeing their eyes light up when they FINALLY understand something that may have been giving them trouble. Those are the moments. They instantly feel success and get a sudden boost of confidence. It’s a very rewarding experience, to be a teacher.”
~Kristin Rivera, OneStopTeacherShop.com

Photo by MarkusSpiske
Photo by MarkusSpiske

 

“Showing how much fun it is to learn. To see students get excited about cerebral topics makes my week.”
~Jacqui Murray, AskaTechTeacher.com

“The most rewarding aspect of teaching is that it scales forever, without end.”
~Terry Heick, TeachThought.com

“The most rewarding aspect of teaching is watching the children around me during their most transformative years learning new skills and applying them. It’s exciting because, under most circumstances, they’re enjoying what they’re doing and it’s fun coming back to encourage the lessons to continue.”
~Jenn Greenleaf, JenniferGreenleaf.com

“Showing each student that they matter and they can all learn.”
~Beth Glass, BethGlass.com

“Experiencing the change in students as they grow and gain self-confidence. It’s like watching a flower bloom. It’s pride in its highest form.”
~Linda Allen, MsCareerGirl.com

“While there are countless rewarding aspects to teaching (not the least of which is the incredible education I receive in return each day), above all as an English teacher, I love encouraging my students to find their voice and share it with the world. Learning—like writing—starts with great daring.”
~Vanessa Z. Lasdon, Word-Ink.net

“Watching their excitement grow with their new knowledge.”
~Meredith Allen, PLAEA.org

“Meeting students in the community who benefitted from my support. Last week I was loading bags into my trunk after shopping at a local grocery store when a car pulled up behind me and a young man jumped out and gave me a hug. He then introduced me to his girlfriend, showed off his baby, and thanked me for the change I made in his life. He was an inmate at the Tippecanoe County Jail when he earned his High School Equivalency Diploma in my class. He is now a father who is a functional member of society, supporting his family, and contributing to our community. Who can ask for a more rewarding outcome from their instructional intervention? This is just the most recent time this has happened. I have met many former students who tell me I changed their lives for the better. I am so happy I became a teacher. It is a wonderful job!”
~V. Jones, LaraLafayette.org

Without hard work, nothing grows but weeds.

— Gordon B. Hinckley