There is value in looking back to that first moment when you realized that you be a teacher. Here are some of the prompts to consider as you do that:
Describe in some detail when you first knew you wanted to be a teacher. Growing up with two teachers as parents, it was a career I thought a lot about. Early on, I was able to gain numerous teaching experiences in after school programs and within our church. It always felt natural. No matter what state in life I was in, the profession always felt like home. I do remember the exact moment when I realized that I was choosing education over nursing. Even when I thought about nursing, I thought about how I could teach other nurses.
What appealed to you most about the job of being a teacher? When you realized you wanted to teach, did you imagine yourself in the job If so, describe how you saw yourself. I remember my first summer after college, when I was applied for teaching jobs. I could not wait to get a job! I had all kinds of ideas about the units I would teach, the little things I could do to make learning more fun, and how I would organize the year. I also remember the moment when I loaded up my car with my “teaching things”. I was so excited and overwhelmed at the same time. My first job came in August, and I had little time to prepare. I was going to be a varsity coach as well as advise the Journalism staff (Yearbook and Newspaper). It was a tough start, but as the year progressed, I was able to figure out how to bring balance to my day. I suppose, this is was not exactly what imagined. But, I was truly fortunate to have a job, so I knew I could figure it out. Early in my career, I thought teaching would slow down as I got older, and I would have a lot more time. However, as someone who is always looking to try new technology sites, and read new literature, I am finding that, along with working with my own kids at home: I am busier than ever! But, it is a good and challenging busy! And I love it.
Do you agree teaching is a calling, and if so, what does that mean to you? Teaching is a calling. It is a lot of time and commitment to not be invested in it beyond a paycheck. When the “why” is in place, and a job somehow feels like you are coming home; you know that it is more than a job.
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