Why are you a teacher?

[Easywriter]

I'm thinking about being back in work in about 4 years and want to make sure I explore my options properly so that I'm happy.

I've always poo-pooed teaching as my mum was a teacher/head teacher and I now think that I may have ruled it out simply not to be like her.

However, friends and family have always said (and still say that I'd make an excellent teacher) and I find that I'm always finding an excuse to help out in DC's school. (I really enjoy it).

So my question is, what were your reasons for joining the profession and did you always/ever feel an urge to teach?

free stationery

lotsa hols

Because that feeling of having a class of cynical 16 year olds all going 'oh I get it' at the same time, after you've explained something, is the biggest legal buzz available.

Because I get to read lots of books and help others enjoy them - and get paid for it.

Because the hours generally fit in quite well with family life.

Because I have a new-term addiction to gel pens and stickers. :)

Are you in Manchester BG?

Do you worship at the temple of Moz?

Sorry, got side tracked.

See I don't think you get lots of hols as a teacher. In fact one of the reasons I didn't like teaching was the lack of my mum (especially as she began to take on more and more responsibility).

I LUrve stationery tho!

Not in Manchester but I certainly do worship the Great Moz!

What BG said.

(apart from the Moz stuff. )

I get a literal adrenaline high sometimes, even when it's been a bad day.

But why did you decide to try teaching?

Did you help in class rooms, get that buzz and then...

or was your driving force something different.

Why?

Decided I was too shy to be a journalist and too noisy to be a librarian!

Because of that 'buzz' that others describe. Getting through to a class, or an individual, who doesn't have self belief, or is stroppy, is an incredible feeling. When you get en email or years later saying 'thanks miss for believing in me' then you know you've made a real difference. I was also keen to do something where I was using my English lit degree pretty directly - and there's nothing as good as teaching a bright class of potential oxbridge students.

The holidays are nice too(though god you'll need them!!) though during term times I wouldn't call the hours particularly family friendly, as you really need to be starting work soon after 8 and often working through til 5,6,7 , and Then bringing marking home. However, there is room for some flexibility : when my kids were pre school, I didn't get in til about 8.20, worked through my lunchtime and left by 5 unless I had an evening function. Now my kids are older I get in for 7.45 am and work through til 6 or 7 but try not to bring too much home. If teaching is for you, it's a fabulous career; if it isn't , it's probably one of the hardest, as kids are the toughest critics and will tell you if your lessons are dull!

oh and you have to like children (in my case teenagers) you'd be surprised just how many teachers I've met who don't!
I love my subject and want to share my enthusiasm with kids who have minds like sponges and soak it all in - not all mind you but the challenge of 'getting through' is enough incentive for me.

You really do have to put the holidays thing to the back of your mind. Go and visit a classroom to see if it's for you - try both primary and secondary and one will give you a buzz if it's for you!