Pros and Cons of Being a Primary School Teacher: A Personal Perspective

Teaching is a noble profession that can be incredibly rewarding, especially for those who love working with young children. I have firsthand experience of both the advantages and the challenges of being a primary school teacher. My wife, who has been teaching for many years, has shared her insights and experiences. On the other hand, I, being someone who struggles with patience, have found it hard to adapt to the demands of teaching young students.

The Pros of Being a Primary School Teacher

Empathy and Kindness: The profession requires a nurturing nature and a deep sense of empathy. My wife is kind, gentle, and incredibly patient. She genuinely cares for her students and is willing to take the time to help even the slow learners. She finds joy in reaching out to every child, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Relevance and Impact: According to a sign at our school, 'The best part about being a teacher is it matters. The hardest part is it matters every day.' As a primary teacher, you get to make a significant impact on the lives of your students, helping them grow both emotionally and academically. This daily relevance can be very fulfilling.

The Challenges of Being a Primary School Teacher

Patience and Frustration: Although my wife has managed to maintain patience, I have faced challenges with my own frustration. The profession often requires a lot of patience, especially when dealing with young students. It can be difficult to manage behavioral issues and understand the limitations of students due to age or learning disabilities.

Physical Demands: Primary teachers often have to be very active, both physically and mentally. Activities like running after children, managing paperwork, and dealing with behavior issues can be physically and emotionally draining. The lack of leverage over primary kids, especially when parents are uninvolved, can also be a significant challenge.

Professional Development: Primary teaching can become intellectually stultifying, as there are fewer opportunities for adult-level discussions compared to higher grades. Additionally, the profession often faces sexism and less planning time compared to high school teachers.

Personal Learning Experiences

It is worth noting that my wife and I had very different learning experiences. She always excelled academically, while I struggled with learning disabilities. This experience has given me a unique perspective on the challenges that primary teachers face and the importance of patience and understanding.

Would I Recommend Teaching as a Career?

Teaching can be an incredibly rewarding career, but it is not without its drawbacks. If you have a passion for working with children and see their bright futures, then teaching can be a rewarding career. It offers flexibility with numerous days off, and despite lower pay, it is a profession that is vital to society. However, it is not a decision to be taken lightly.

The pay is not commensurate with the level of education required, and the skills gained in this career are not easily transferable. Additionally, the profession faces increasing pressure due to political changes and more micromanagement. For those with their own children, there may be conflicts between using energy and patience on other people's children and their own family.

Conclusion

Teaching primary school is a demanding yet fulfilling job. If you are genuinely passionate about it and can handle the challenges, it can be a very rewarding career. However, careful consideration is necessary when deciding to enter this field.