Some of our most important lessons were learned in the classroom. Almost everyone remembers a particular teacher that was an indelible influence on their character. It may have been the teacher’s passion for the subject, their kind encouragement, or their morsels of daily wisdom that sculpted us into the people that we are today. By becoming a teacher, you could be that life-changing force for somebody else.
Make a Difference
A great teacher can have a huge impact on the lives of their students. Becoming an educator gives you the power and privilege to shape the next generation and contribute to society. The majority of children spend more of their waking hours with their teachers than their parents. Apart from teaching the essential curriculum, teachers can impart life lessons and model constructive behavior to inspire and guide their students.
Teachers are in the unique position to manage the emotional development of future generations. Every child is unique. As a teacher, you can help those who are less fortunate find equity and develop their self-worth. This can lead to a significant and lasting change in the direction of a child’s life. Intangible rewards such as the expression of triumph on the face of a struggling student can be the most rewarding part of the teaching vocation.
Ample Holidays
While many private-sector jobs are a strict nine to five and often involve overtime, teaching schedules are more flexible. During the school semester, teachers may need to do longer days to plan lessons or mark assignments after class. However, most of this work can be done at home. You will have the choice to end your day earlier and take time for other activities before completing your work commitments.
Long holidays are one of the best perks of a teaching career. Teachers enjoy a large amount of paid holidays, including two months over summer break and several weeks over Thanksgiving and Christmas. For individuals with families, having a schedule that syncs with your children’s will allow you to spend a lot of quality time with your loved ones. For others, this is a perfect opportunity to rest and recharge or pick up a summer sideline.
Job Security
Unlike most of the jobs in the private sector, teachers will never become redundant. While no industry can be entirely insulated from an economic downturn, teaching is generally considered a recession-proof job. Regardless of the economic situation in any country, people will always need education and schools will always need teachers, especially where basic education is mandated by the law.
In fact, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the teaching industry is expected to see steady growth, with 1.9 million new job opportunities for preschool to post-secondary school teachers between 2014 and 2024. This great job security means that you can focus on developing your career and being the best teacher possible instead of worrying about the longevity of your employment contract.
Career Mobility
When you have a degree in education, your credentials will never lose their value. While specific needs can vary by student level or school, qualified and experienced teachers are always in demand. If you are willing to move to areas where there is a need for educators, you could receive outstanding offers that rival private sector salaries and benefits.
For those who wish to climb the occupational ladder, there is a high level of upward mobility and clear career pathways in education. You can pursue a Masters of Education online while teaching, allowing you to apply for more senior positions including head of department, principal, or professor. You could also choose to specialize in subjects that you are passionate about such as foreign languages, literature, science, or music.
Should you desire a career change later, your teaching qualifications and experience can help you to get a job as a school administrator, guidance counselor, librarian, or social worker. You can even travel overseas and teach in other countries from South America to Southeast Asia. How many careers will pay you to explore the world? While you are there, you can have a positive impact on students in these countries as well.
Teach to Learn
Nothing motivates you to find out more about a subject than a classroom full of enthusiastic listeners. As a teacher, you will have ample opportunities to constantly improve your knowledge and learn about new and interesting topics. Children can sometimes ask questions that adults would never consider, allowing you to access a different perspective and stay curious about our world at large.
From educating preschoolers to tutoring undergraduates, a teacher always learns along with their students. Not only do you gain academic knowledge throughout your career, but you also become adept at public speaking, conflict resolution, management, and leadership. Teaching is an attractive career for a variety of reasons. Whether you love it for its tangible or intangible rewards, a teaching career is an excellent choice.