Why do people become teachers? I often wonder this as I constantly read and see the attack on teachers and public education in general. This question is particularly interesting to me because of my profession- I teach future teachers. I teach learning theories, motivational theories, and theories about working with diverse populations. However, I am at a loss about explaining the complexities of teaching in today’s climate. Do I tell my students the truth about how hard it will be? That they will work 10-12 hour days most of the year with pay that does not correspond to having a professional degree and license. That they will be told constantly that they must do or try one new thing,even if they don’t think it’s right for their students. Or do I tell them to remember their passion. To love and teach their students as if they were their own children. I hope I can balance the truth with the hope that I have for my students.
Leah Johnson
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Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA