What Teachers Wish They Knew Before They Started Teaching

Khushboo Ramchandani
July 15, 2020
2 min read

As with most professions, learning does not stop after you receive your degree. And with teachers, it’s kind of non-stop. You never know what to expect before you step into class. And it’s quite overwhelming if you are a new teacher and have no beginner’s experience. I’ve compiled experiences and advice from teachers all around the globe, like a mini handbook.Before anything, it is important to know to expect the unexpected with any work you may undertake. The same statement goes for teachers, except it's times infinity. This is because job training will only take you so far, but when entering the real world, it may just catch you off guard. To be fairly honest, teachers currently possess one of the most underrated job titles. It also doesn’t help that it requires tons and tons of work. As Rachel explains, your day at work seldom ends after the last bell. Lesson planning, grading, and several meetings are only a portion of what goes on after class. It is also quite stressful to be held responsible for the actions and behavior of the students. These days, schools are also planning to train teachers to detect signs of mental illness in students and take immediate steps. Considering how brilliant and safe these strategies are, there is a great deal of pressure exerted into one human being. While the hours are long and pay is limited, many new teachers jump out of the boat within 2-3 years. Of course, it is exhausting and you’ll be stretched thin, but is it all so vexing?

Nonetheless, taking on the heavy responsibility of being a teacher is actually intrinsically rewarding as well. There is this deep satisfaction of educating new learners and sharing your knowledge. When you truly feel internally rewarded, you start to feel more connected to your job and reflect on your input for the greater good of society. This will eventually create high levels of motivation and hence increase productivity, which will only lead to the betterment of the students.

Teachers realize the influence they have on their pupils, which means their job is not only restricted to the hours in the classroom but will mold them for their next phase in life.

Eventually, they begin to grow fond of their favorites (although they say they don’t have any, they almost always do!) and become attached. During some point, a teacher is inclined to become emotionally invested in their students. Jodi claims that she has to get invested in every single one of her students because that’s how she teaches them. Teachers that are super passionate about what they do and truly want to see each of their students succeed, will do whatever it takes to ensure that. They want to figure out why one always has its head down, or failing, or refusing to participate in class discussions. These are the kinds of teachers that promote and support student growth and motivation. And these are the teachers that we shall always remember. At one end, we can't ignore the fact that teaching is stressful and eats up in one's leisure time, but we also cannot overlook the intrinsic satisfaction and motivation received through enlightening learners. If you agree with us, try Reportcard 😊.

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Pedagogy
Khushboo Ramchandani
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