What does it take to be a teacher?
In the past when I've tutored people I've found it really rewarding and want to become a teacher! I'm curious about what becoming a teacher looks like. How long does it take? What sort of degree and credentials do I need? Why did you become a teacher, and do you enjoy being one? How do you be a good teacher? Thanks!
The credentials and certifications you'll need to become a teacher will depend on the state you're in, so I'd recommend doing research for those requirements based on your location.
In terms of the degree you should get, I'd recommend getting a degree in the area you want to teach in instead of a general degree or education degree. For example, if you want to teach Chemistry, get a Chemistry degree so that if you end up not wanting to become a teacher, you can always fall back on your Chemistry degree.
I became a teacher because I want to make a positive impact on the lives of others. So far I'm enjoying it but it can be difficult at times when I feel like I don't have a lot of support from the school system. A lot of times it's a thankless job, but if you focus on the kids it can still be really rewarding.
In terms of the degree you should get, I'd recommend getting a degree in the area you want to teach in instead of a general degree or education degree. For example, if you want to teach Chemistry, get a Chemistry degree so that if you end up not wanting to become a teacher, you can always fall back on your Chemistry degree.
I became a teacher because I want to make a positive impact on the lives of others. So far I'm enjoying it but it can be difficult at times when I feel like I don't have a lot of support from the school system. A lot of times it's a thankless job, but if you focus on the kids it can still be really rewarding.
I'll answer your question about enjoying being a teacher first—I love being a teacher… there's something to be said about leaving every single day knowing that you helped somebody learn something new. Even if it's not anything big, just being able to be a part of that moment in their lives and being a continuous moment in their lives, having them come back and visit and talk about how they're using the things that they've learned in class outside of my classroom and in other classrooms and life, those ideas and those concrete concepts stick with them. And then it helps me recognize that the things I'm doing in the classroom do matter and they do stick with the kids. So, it's like little things like that that make it all worth it.
And for your question about being a good teacher—I think that the most important thing in keeping students engaged in the classroom is creating an environment where they feel heard, seen, and safe. So, the social-emotional learning aspect of education is something that I feel some teachers overlook. And I have found that the most engaged students are the ones that feel comfortable in their space. That means creating an environment where the students feel like they are in control of the rules, where they help create the environment, and where it's not just a dictatorship where the teacher tells them how things will go and the students must follow it. It needs to be more democratic. It needs to be more of a peer-to-peer relationship than a teacher who's overseeing their classroom. That being said, of course, the teacher is still always in charge, but I found that when kids have ownership over the rules and the consequences and even what they're learning or how they're learning, then they are much more engaged and better behaved in the classroom.
And for your question about being a good teacher—I think that the most important thing in keeping students engaged in the classroom is creating an environment where they feel heard, seen, and safe. So, the social-emotional learning aspect of education is something that I feel some teachers overlook. And I have found that the most engaged students are the ones that feel comfortable in their space. That means creating an environment where the students feel like they are in control of the rules, where they help create the environment, and where it's not just a dictatorship where the teacher tells them how things will go and the students must follow it. It needs to be more democratic. It needs to be more of a peer-to-peer relationship than a teacher who's overseeing their classroom. That being said, of course, the teacher is still always in charge, but I found that when kids have ownership over the rules and the consequences and even what they're learning or how they're learning, then they are much more engaged and better behaved in the classroom.
To be a good teacher, I think it's important to get to know each student and really connect with each one of them. That's an investment to make early on in your classroom because we usually keep our students the entire year. You have to do that early to get them to buy in. And once they do, and they trust you, it's usually smooth sailing after that, they'll just like you. They'll do what you want, they'll trust you, they'll respect you and they'll like you and that'll make the year a lot easier.
I find the job really rewarding. I get enough students that are looking at me just with those wide eyes, even though they are 16 years old, almost adult, they really still want to become a better person. And that's the end of the day answer that brings me back to education every single year. It gets me excited to get back in the classroom. It's not all of them, but enough of them that it makes it worth it.
I find the job really rewarding. I get enough students that are looking at me just with those wide eyes, even though they are 16 years old, almost adult, they really still want to become a better person. And that's the end of the day answer that brings me back to education every single year. It gets me excited to get back in the classroom. It's not all of them, but enough of them that it makes it worth it.
I find teaching incredibly rewarding and truly cherish the relationships I have built with my students over the years. It is so fulfilling to see how my students grow and it makes me feel incredible to be able to offer them support and be someone they can feel safe reaching out to for help. If teaching is something that calls to you and is something you're really passionate about, I'd say go for it. You'll have to keep in mind that teachers are not compensated very well for their work, but if you're good with managing your finances, are okay with not living a lavish life, and find teaching rewarding, it's worth it.
Being a teacher requires immense creativity, and thinking on your feet and decision-making to gain awareness, situational awareness. You can get caught up in demands like reading and working behind the scenes too, but at the end of the day, the most important thing, and the most gratifying thing about teaching is just interacting with students.
You can't plan for those moments. Students come into the room, and they're different every day. And they'll surprise you and say things they didn't expect. And their moods reflect their lives. And sometimes you'll see a kid that you love, and they'll look like they're down and just feeling sort of sympathy for them or checking in with them and giving them an option or an opportunity to share with you. I think it's about relationships. And the more everybody knows that I think the better it is. Kids should know that what's important in a class and education is how much you're communicating with your teacher, and how comfortable you feel with them and say how you feel with them, and how able you can express your voice in the classroom. It is about learning and progress.
You can't plan for those moments. Students come into the room, and they're different every day. And they'll surprise you and say things they didn't expect. And their moods reflect their lives. And sometimes you'll see a kid that you love, and they'll look like they're down and just feeling sort of sympathy for them or checking in with them and giving them an option or an opportunity to share with you. I think it's about relationships. And the more everybody knows that I think the better it is. Kids should know that what's important in a class and education is how much you're communicating with your teacher, and how comfortable you feel with them and say how you feel with them, and how able you can express your voice in the classroom. It is about learning and progress.
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Reader Tips from How to Be a Successful Teacher
Try to give your students compliments for listening in class, like "Thanks everyone who came in and followed the board instructions." Kids loves hearing the praise, and will behave better to be part of the group.
Show up to extracurricular events like football games, plays or musicals, or art shows to show your students that you care about them.
Reader Tips from How to Be Your Students' Favorite Teacher
Remember that student behaviors are a form of communication. If a student acts out, it's not necessarily about you. They're trying to communicate something that they don't how to communicate differently. As a teacher, try to identify what is causing those behaviors and teach them how to communicate more effectively.
Make sure to watch your words. What seems like nothing to you could hurt the feelings of a student. Since you're the adult and in charge, kids will probably believe whatever you say.
Reader Tips from How to Be a Good Teacher
Set rules and boundaries for students, but don't be so strict to the point that students are constantly getting in trouble for unrealistic rules. Consider whether you could explain all your rules to a student who politely asked you why you set each one.
During situations that could be embarrassing to one child, like they've had an accident or thrown up, ask the rest of the class to line up in the hall while you help that student.
Try different ways of teaching a topic to appeal to different learning styles: like watching a video, listening to a song, or doing a hands-on project.
Let the students share their ideas with the class, and encourage them to contribute to class discussions.
The best qualities in an effective teacher are kindness, empathy, and appropriate affection.
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