Reasons Why People Become Teachers

There's a story about a teacher in Liverpool who encouraged one of his students to form a band. That student's name was John Lennon. Ten years later, that same teacher let another student write and put on plays in the school. That student went on to become the horror novelist Clive Barker. Teachers change lives every day in ways which few ever notice or realize. The rewards of the profession go far beyond a paycheck.

Encouraging Students

Helping students to discover their gifts and encouraging them to explore those gifts is the best reason for becoming a teacher. It makes all the difference in the world when those kids grow up.

High Demand

Most school districts desperately need good teachers, providing reliable job security for those willing to commit to the profession.

Autonomy at Work

Teachers have overseers they must answer to, of course, but for day-to-day work, they're often their own bosses. The classroom is theirs and they can go about their job without anyone looking over their shoulder.

Summers Off

Teachers get summer vacations off, as well as Christmas and spring break. This is especially beneficial to teachers with kids of their own, since their vacation time often corresponds with that of their children's.

Learning New Things

Teaching a given subject is often a good way to learn new things about it, even if a teacher already knows a great deal about it to begin with.