Year 2 University Student

[Unregistered]

Hi There,
Just wondered if anyone would be able to help me. For one of my modules I have to conduct a 30 minuet thesis on 'The motivations to become a teacher.' If anyone could let me know what motivated them to become come a teacher I would be really grateful.
Hope to hear from you soon
Best Wishes
Rosie

[BigDaddyTeacher]

Rosie - great question.

I became a teacher for many reasons.
1) I had gone as far as I could in my previous job, without offing the boss and taking over the company (true!)

2) I had been (and still am from time to time) a parent volunteer in my own kid's classrooms; the teachers, aides, and school admin who observed my dealings with the students all asked if I had educational background because I was such a natural in working with the children.

3) To torment my own kids at home (even truer!)

4) To give back to my community.

hope that helps - let me know if you need anything else!

Dennis

[Unregistered]

Hi Dennis,
Thanks for coming back to me. That is brill. I have to debate if teachers are attracted by good pay, short hours and long holiday. Did any of these interest you. I apologise if this is a bit forward.
Thank you ever so much for your help.
Best Wishes
Rosie

[BigDaddyTeacher]

Hi Dennis,
Thanks for coming back to me. That is brill. I have to debate if teachers are attracted by good pay, short hours and long holiday. Did any of these interest you. I apologise if this is a bit forward.
Thank you ever so much for your help.
Best Wishes
Rosie


Rosie -
I hate to burst your bubble, but the first two items in your list, at least IMHO, are unrealistic where teaching comes in.

1. good pay. If you read some of the other posts throughout this site, you'll notice a reoccurring theme: we didn't get into this job for the money. Sure, there may be some people pulling down high salaries. As for me, I have a second job. So, no, the pay was not even a factor.

2. short hours. Short compared to what? I work an 8 hour day, just like most wage slaves. Then, factor in grading papers at home, additional staff meetings after school hours, open houses, staff development days... Sorry, short hours are not in my job description.

3. long holidays. OK, this was a little bit of an incentive. Paid time off. Two weeks at Christmas, one week at Thanksgiving, 1 week in the spring, and assorted 3- and 4-day weekends throughout the year. Fabulous - I can recharge and spend time with my family. Summertime is another situation altogether. Depending on how we want to be paid, the summer months arrive without paychecks to keep us afloat. Personally, I work summer school as often as I can. (whoops - back to question one; sorry). that way, I get atleast one full month off to take a holiday, paint the house, etc.

anything else?

[Unregistered]

Hi Dennis,
Thanks for that info. The whole point of the essay/thesis is to cause a debate. This will give me grounds for an argument.
Thanks again
Best Wishes
Rosie

[three reasons]

There are only three reasons to become a teacher.

JUNE JULY AND AUGUST!!!!

[paid time]

By the way, teachers don't get "paid time off." We are contracted for X number of days on duty a year (188 or so) and we are actually paid for those days but not all the time off. But, most of us have our paychecks spread out over 12 months so it seems like we are getting paid for when we are off.

[Unregistered]

I chose teaching after 2 years in college. I decided that working in an office all day was not for me. I teach computers/technology. I love the constant changing that happens with computer and technology. Nothing ever is "old"...you can always change things OR usually it changes itself!

No way did I become a teacher for the salary..I have my salary spread over 12 months, which is nice in the summer, but I usually spend 3-4 weeks of my summer somewhere in training!!

I also didn't become a teacher to have to deal with all the extras....paperwork, requisitions, bad attitudes, laziness, and parents who think their children are perfect!!

I chose teaching because I love learning and making learning fun....so what better way to learn than be a teacher......we all get some kind of learning experience everyday....and plenty of surprises!!