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I want to be a teacher – the holidays are great!
- 11 April, 2016
- Posted by: Katrina Casey
- Category: Reading
‘I want to be a teacher – the holidays are great!’, said no real teacher ever!!
I don’t know why, but even after twenty-five plus years as a professional teacher, it still really, really bugs me, when someone unwittingly says, “Gee, on holidays again. I should have been a teacher – you wouldn’t last in the ‘real world of work’.”
I could respond with the following:
Really? I would love to work in the ‘real world of work’, imagine being able to:
- make a cup of coffee whenever you felt the need;
- make idle chit-chat to fellow co-workers;
- be surrounded by adults;
- actually have a lunch hour – all to yourself;
- work nine to five, and that is it; and one of my favourites,
- go to the toilet at one’s convenience!!
And then, there are the more serious benefits:
- no irate parents on your case, not because of something concerning their child, but they are having a bad day/ week/ marriage, and you’re their first port of call to vent;
- not everyone thinks they can do your job, it’s just teaching that everyone can do;
- no sleep deprivation – you wouldn’t be lying awake, desperately trying to think of a reason as to why Johnny can’t read; and
- being respected for the professional that you are.
But I don’t. You see, I’m done with justifying the amount of holidays teachers receive, and I’m more than over arguing that the amount of holidays does not justify considering a career in education. Instead, I quietly go through a checklist of why I wanted to become a teacher, and hope that if you are considering a teaching career, these are on the top of your list too:
- children are amazing – they are open and honest, and they really, really do want to learn;
- you can build relationships, with the children, their parents and the community;
- you are constantly challenged to become a better problem-solver;
- you become a multi-tasker;
- you learn through the children’s quest to better understand the world;
- you can dabble in interior design; your own classroom is your inspiration; and best of all,
- you work with most talented and passionate people, dedicated to ensuring each and every child in their care, reaches their full potential.
And the more serious benefit of teaching? You make a difference – every single day, as you commit to the enormous responsibility of shaping young children’s lives.
Still not convinced about the virtues of the teaching profession? Then okay – it is all about the holidays! That’s right, 12 glorious weeks.
You’re right, you should have been a teacher!!
Cheers!