why teach

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why teach
By Julianne

I first went into teaching because I had a third grade teacher I loved. I decided at age 8 that being a teacher was the career for me. I graduated from college at 21 and immediately got a job as a 3rd grade (YEAH!) teacher
in a low income area. Reality hit pretty hard. It took me five years to burn out. I couldn't fit the theory to the practice and that, along with some personal problems, led me to quit teaching at the beginning of my sixth year. I stayed away for a long time. Long enough to have three kids of my own, who, like the ones in the post above, pooped, whined and were NOT, ABSOLUTELY NOT

perfect. I also held a number of non teaching jobs, something I hadn't done before.

I went back into teaching via community education where I taught everything from preschool to adults. My reasons for going back were more pragmatic. I no longer wanted to change the world, just make a few bucks so we could go visit grandma. I can now tell you exactly what I loathe and love about teaching.

I loathe standardized tests.
I loathe parent/teacher conferences. But I understand their need and try to do my best at them.
I loathe faculty meetings and grade level meetings, especially run-on ones where most of us can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but can't seem to herd everyone toward it!
I loathe knowing what will work and not having the money, time or support to do it.
I loathe someone outside of my building or classroom making rules that affect me and my students.

I love the creativity of teaching. Every day you have to think of something new to try.
I love the fact that I am never, ever bored.
I love watching the kids' faces as they work. I will never tire of seeing the concentration and excitement when they are really learning.
I love talking to children and hearing how they think and feel.
I love sharing stuff from my life with them and having them share stuff with me.
I love comparing the first of the year tests to the end of the year tests, even if they are "standardized".

Well, that's why I came back to teaching. Why are you pursuing it?