How it Feels to be a Teacher
"Who among here wants to be a
teacher?" my professor asked.
No one raised their hands.
"I know. No one really likes
being a teacher... At first", she said.
"And yet, here we are."
I have heard it a thousand times,
"teaching is a noble profession". You have to be some kind of noble
to withstand the annoying, noisy class of children. You need a strong will to carry on this fight (sometimes, a literal fight, though).
Teaching takes lots of patience and sacrifice physically, socially, mentally,
and emotionally.
But here I am. Knowing this, why
did I still take an education course?
A little background story, I already graduated from a 3-year
technology program, but I need another year to have a degree. That was the
situation. My school offers two programs for technology graduates like us:
Bachelor of Technology or Bachelor of Education. I chose education
because I think it's a lot easier. Don't you think so?
Several factors brought me to love
and hate teaching. I can give you advantages and disadvantages based on my
year-long adventure and experiences in my beloved university. How does it feel
to be in the education field? If you are interested, but have doubts about taking an education course, decide for yourself after reading the following:
Disadvantage 1: Hating the Multiple
Deadlines
We all know the feeling of being haunted
by deadlines, especially for great procrastinators (like me). I experienced
being bombarded with multiple deadlines from different subjects. They go everywhere! Different professors set requirements such as reports, demonstrations, essays,
narratives, researches, video production, photography (for educational
technology subject), and stats. Just to emphasize, reports and discussions are done on a daily basis. Someone reports every day, every subject, for the whole semester. Sometimes, it's confusing where I should even start. Then, include the works I have to do for my
cooperating teacher in PT. It's a never ending series of deadlines. The time you think you are near to the finish line is the biggest mistake and disappointment ever.
We know the feeling. We do not
like being pushed and forced (Yes, forced!) to do things, but we have to. Submit that all-nighter you've typed and thought endlessly. Pass that project on time or else. Do the lesson plans and carry on with the discussion. Study a topic that was first introduced to you yesterday. That's how it is!
It's hard, but to tell you the truth, I find it beneficial to me in multiple ways. From these experiences, I gained something. I noticed myself becoming more
ready for the tasks. I now have the "give-it-to-me-you-won't-surprise-me-anymore" attitude. It's great to keep my peace of
mind because I know I can do it.
To keep
calm during a storm of deadlines, that's nice, isn't it?
Disadvantage 2: Tiresome
I remembered my first 20-minute discussion in
front of the class. I was trembling and my heart beats fast, so fast I thought my voice would literally shake. Everyone's on the same track, so they obviously expect something from you. Everyone's new to this, but I think I
did great. My voice had the right tone and I gave examples which I think my
classmates clearly understood. I was happy. However, it was so exhausting that my energy did not
last until the last subject. I tried to re-evaluate myself if I really want
this to be my career. There was a second of regret.
Everything is tiring during your first try. Also, on the second try, the third and the fourth. But, I know, it takes a good
amount of time to be used to it. Do not stop. Just like working as a crew,
staff, or a driver, everything is tiring and you just need to be used to it. Just like reading, no child knows how to read immediately. A child needs to grow and be taught. It needs practice to get out of that difficult phase and be fluent. It works the same with all of us. If we want to pursue something, even if you felt tired, bored, or it felt heavy, remember that it happens to everyone. Someday, you will get out of that phase and be good at your profession.
Disadvantage 3: Sacrifice
I mentioned about being bombarded
with deadlines and simultaneous projects. Unfortunately, that was only the first part. I experienced sacrificing social gatherings and parties to finish lesson
plans and reports. Ok guys, I won't be biased. It's not just the education course. Let me be clear with that. It also happens in engineering, architecture, and other more courses.
But, there's quite a difference.
When you are in the education field, it's not just
you. That's the difference. You study not for you. You study because you need to teach it to
others. You have to do good, because you are the model of your students. You
need to perform well to make students believe in your words. When you do
something, it's not just for you, but for the others. I
think, that's quite a reason that the education field is special in a way.
Fortunately, sacrifice is not
sacrifice alone. It is a sacrifice out of love and passion for teaching.
Disadvantage 4: Attendance should
be your priority
Remember the time when your teacher was absent and the whole class celebrates? Well, it was fun, wasn't it? Nostalgic. However, the students may not realize it, but they need you. A single absence may be fun for them, but your multiple absences can be an abuse and a whole waste of time. As a teacher, your attendance is top priority. Be the teacher that the students miss.
Effective educators touch the mind,
the heart and the hands of the students. You mold their mind to be better, to
be knowledgeable, and to be informed. You pull them away from ignorance. But,
let's face it, touching the mind does not guarantee full education to a student.
As teachers, we have to touch their hearts. They have to feel the need and know
the reason why do they have to move. Why do they have to act. What should they
do as a person. How can they do something? It is your responsibility to motivate them. Do not let your absences be responsible for their ignorance.
It is not simple to be an
effective teacher. Other than a passion, it takes skill.
I know there are multiple stories
how stressful being a teacher is. It is not easy. No real work is. But if there
are disadvantages about teaching, of course, I can provide the good things.
Here is a list:
Advantage 1: A training for public speaking
I am not fond of speaking out my
mind before. My grades during high school were good, but only on writing and actual exams. For oral
presentations, I make sure to practice a hundred times to not make a fool of
myself. I perform well, but if you ask me with questions I have not
prepared, I know I'm doomed.
Being a student of Education taught
me 1.) self-confidence and 2.) researching on the topic. Truly, confidence can be
cultivated. You can work it out. While the knowledge, it's a bit hard to
answer impromptu questions when you don't have the background
knowledge. It's not just a teacher thing. It's everyone's. Stuff your
mind and heart with useful information. Not to memorize, but to
reflect and realize things out of it. As for me, it took the education
course to know my real capabilities. It feels great to be in this field.
Advantage 2: Patience
Education course teaches to
understand the children and adolescents. Learners are top priority, especially now, that the world focuses on a learner-centered education. Teachers should know where students are to know where to
start. Teachers are taught to consider their physical, emotional, and mental development, their
talents, and character. [Multitasking, eh?]
A teacher's work does not stop at teaching
the lessons. Effective teaching focuses on how to reach your learner, how to
connect. This would take a lot of patience, hard work, and creativity. If you
think you are not cut for doing this, then think twice about continuing. But, I
tell you, you can't tell unless you have experienced the ups and downs of
teaching. Teaching is a passion. After all, a teacher's greatest reward is to
see his or her students do better in life.
Advantage 3: All of a sudden, you
opt to become knowledgeable.
When I started teaching others, I realized
that I have to be a knowledgeable person. There are times when a teacher
teaches a subject that isn't his/her major. When this happens, a teacher
should obviously read in advance. Not one page ahead of the student, but books
ahead. You have no choice but to learn the topic. It would be embarrassing to be taught
by your own student, though.
You can learn from them and it is your responsibility
that they can get some valuable lessons from you, too. Being in an education course
tells you that you yourself should be educated enough to build a student's mind
and character and help them become good fellows in the country. Keep in mind, we are
creating nation builders.
Advantage 4: Leadership
You are the leader, the model, and
the guide for the students on their journey. When you ask a student a
line from their favorite teacher, they can always recite one: a catchy line
that totally struck them in the heart. That's because, students are observant people. They see you closer than you thought.
If that's the case, it's the best opportunity to show them the
proper ways to do things. A leader is different from a boss. Do not boss them around with deadlines, projects, and
activities. Instead, nourish them with knowledge and skills, and cultivate
whatever creativity and talent they have through proper activities. A teacher should be a ball of
patience, hard work and creativity. A strategist. It really takes an amazing teacher to mold amazing
students.
The teaching profession is a lot
more about just teaching. It is a lot more than conducting classes and receiving salary every two weeks. It is more than being called ma'am, and sir. It is a profession with the greatest impact when you do it
right. So yes, for the future educators, do it right. We are training the future builders of this country. If we do not raise them right, to whom will we rely when we grow old? And for the passionate
teachers of this time, thank you and continue forth!
Thank you for reading! :)
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