Teaching might look easy from the outside, but anyone who has ever worked in this industry knows just how challenging it can be.
It’s a lot of hard work, though it can also be very rewarding. If you’re thinking about switching careers and becoming a teacher, make sure you are prepared for the challenges that come with it.
Dealing with difficult students and parents
Imagine being a teacher and having to deal with difficult students all day, every day.
It’s challenging enough trying to manage a classroom of kids who are not that eager to learn, but when you have to deal with students who are disruptive and unruly, it can be downright exhausting.
Then there are the parents.
You never know what you’re going to get with them. Some are supportive and appreciative, while others seem to think that their child is the best thing since sliced bread.
And don’t even get us started on the ones who think they know better than you do and insist that you do what’s “best” for their child.
Having to be constantly “on”
No breaks, no time to yourself, and no respite from the barrage of questions and requests from your students (and their parents). That’s what it’s like to be a teacher.
There’s no break from the classroom, even when you’re not in the classroom.
You’re always fielding emails, preparing lessons, and grading papers. And then when you finally get home, you have to deal with another round of demands from your kids.
The long hours required
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Think about it. You come home from a long day at work, and you’re exhausted.
But you still have to grade papers, plan for tomorrow’s lesson, and maybe work on a few projects for your professional development.
And that’s just a typical day. Now imagine marking homework on the weekend, or spending your holiday working on lesson plans for approval. That’s what teachers do regularly.
The paperwork
Teaching encompasses everything.
You have to keep track of your students’ attendance, grades, records… And that’s on top of preparing lessons, grading papers, and dealing with students who seem to find joy in making you frown.
Then there’s the fact that most teachers are underpaid and overworked. From juggling classroom duties to extra-curricular activities after school and meetings with parents, and department heads, it can be tough to manage everything effectively.
Though teaching may not be an easy profession, we have to agree that the fulfillment you get from it is unparalleled. You can help mold young minds and watch them grow into successful adults. So while the days may be long and the workload may be heavy, the bonuses are plenty. If you are considering a career in teaching, know that it is not a walk in the park, but it is rewarding. Take the time to learn about what the job entails and make sure you are up for the challenge. If you are, then teaching may be right for you.
