They say there are three good things about being a teacher. June, July and August!

(Cymbal crash)

But seriously, for a teacher, an in-depth knowledge of your subject is a given (or should be). What about the rest? It’s practically a social work position as opposed to rote learning and writing on a blackboard. (Showing my age there, probably whiteboards now, or even laptops in the desks).

There was great advert on British TV a couple of years ago that had many celebrities and public figures very naturally quoting names. They had been spontaneously asked to name a good teacher from their schooldays. For many it was instantaneous and the tagline was of course, nobody forgets a good teacher. This was part of a Government’s education recruitment drive. In times gone by, teaching was never considered a glamorous role, and some particular subjects were struggling to attract talented candidates.

It’s true though isn’t it? Whilst at the very least all of us can remember at least one positive experience with a teacher, some of us may have even been inspired into our eventual careers by those who guided them through school. The difference in a teacher who can capture the imaginations of his/her pupils and one who is there to cash the cheque at the end of the month is immense. To be able to work with and inspire young minds, at their most receptive is a very powerful thing indeed.

A person in a good teaching career needs a good dose of emotional intelligence to work with. Practical is great, Empathetic is even better. Put yourself in those little (or not so) shoes, have an understanding of the lifestyle the kids lead away from the classroom, interests and friendships crying out to be influenced and developed… I could go on, but it is the recognition of these things that cannot be taught on a teacher training course.

A blogger shares his thoughts upon his mid life career change, and all the good things about being surrounded by children all day! Range tells you Why Becoming A Teacher was one of the best things in his life.

I wanted to end this post with a quote from a teacher pal..

“Teaching is the most important job in the world because it makes all others possible. I never dreamed of being a teacher because I was smart and hard working enough to be anything, but here I am, teaching little kids how to read. The best part is knowing that you have impacted people’s lives by either giving them essential skills or positively influencing their lives. Yeah, you get the summer off and don’t have to request holidays off from work, but that’s not why people teach.” Sonja, UK.

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