The Pros and Cons of Pursuing a Teaching Career
Teaching is a vocation deeply cherished by many, including myself. My mom was a teacher and is now an assistant principal, and she instilled in me the immense value of this profession. However, like any career, teaching has its share of challenges. In this article, I will explore the reasons why I love teaching, as well as the issues that make it disheartening.
Why I Love Teaching
Teaching is undoubtedly a rewarding experience. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing a student's understanding grow, or the joy of facilitating a student's love for a subject. Building connections with students and seeing them thrive is incredibly rewarding. I firmly believe that educators have a profound impact on shaping young minds and instilling knowledge.
Moreover, working with students is an enriching experience. Each student brings unique qualities and challenges, making every day a new adventure. Creating a positive learning environment where students feel supported and encouraged is my ultimate goal.
Challenges and Disadvantages
While the joys of teaching are plentiful, the career comes with its set of challenges. One of the most prominent issues is the overwhelming amount of administrative tasks and evaluations. These evaluations, observations, and walk-throughs serve a purpose, but they can be burdensome. For instance, it's frustrating when administrators try to understand a lesson in just 15-30 minutes. Teachers are professionals and should be treated as such. Such repetitive and superficial assessments often detract from the actual teaching process.
Another significant concern is the expansion of responsibilities within the job. Modern teachers are expected to handle multiple jobs outside of regular classroom duties, such as duty stations, gym, cafeteria, library, and security. This adds immense pressure and stress to an already demanding profession. Additionally, the increasing threats to school safety exacerbate the situation. Schools are targets for mass shooters, and teachers are frequently subjected to various drills—fire hold, secure lockdown, evacuate, and shelter in place—thirty to forty times a year. The frequency of these drills can be exhausting and distressing for teachers.
The low pay for the number of years spent in education and the requirement to repay student loans further contribute to the dissatisfaction of many teachers. Many are leaving the profession due to these factors, recognizing that their hard work and dedication are not being adequately compensated. While these challenges can weigh heavily on teachers, they also shed light on the need for systemic improvements in recognizing and valuing the contributions of educators.
Professional Environment
The environment in which teachers work can also significantly impact their experience. For instance, while my current environment is generally accepting of professional attitudes, it is disheartening to work in environments where the noise and behavior of students, particularly younger ones, can be overwhelming. The separation of buildings for primary and middle school grades in our school helps mitigate this issue to some degree. However, older students can still be obnoxious, and maintaining a quiet and focused classroom requires vigilance.
The explicit or implicit disrespect from students and parents is another challenge. Students underestimate the knowledge and experience of educators, and sometimes this manifests in disrespectful behavior. While understanding the developmental stage of adolescents, these behaviors can be discouraging, especially when they come from students whom one might consider peers. Teachers must find a balance between fostering respect and maintaining a positive professional demeanor.
Administrative Meetings and Workload
Administrative meetings and events are often necessary but can be frustrating. Training days, assemblies, and other events can be time-consuming and may not always be productive. These meetings consume valuable time that could be spent on teaching or student engagement, leading to a sense of frustration and lack of fulfillment.
The workload for teachers is often substantial, and the work-to-pay ratio is a significant issue. In Estonia, full-time teaching work includes both classroom hours and preparation, grading, and administrative tasks, which can amount to between 25-30 lessons per week. While this workload can be demanding, it doesn't necessarily guarantee a proportional increase in pay. Teachers often need to work extra hours to maintain the same level of pay, sacrificing personal time for professional development and improvement.
Despite these challenges, I am grateful for the opportunity to teach and pursue my goal of understanding human nature better. While teaching can be challenging, the positive impact it has on students' lives is immeasurable. Understanding the complexities of the profession helps in finding ways to make it more sustainable and fulfilling for future educators.
Ultimately, teaching is not just a job but a mission to shape the future. It requires dedication, patience, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By addressing the challenges and fostering a supportive environment, we can create a more rewarding and fulfilling career for teachers.