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5.21.2014

Unexpected Perks of teaching.

It's a really depressing joke in my field of study that we aren't in it for the money. At least once a semester we get asked why we decided to become a teacher and someone raises their hand and says "Well, obviously for the money!" Then we all laugh before realizing that we'll hardly be able to support ourselves on our income, and the room gets quiet.

It's even worse in Utah, where we have the second lowest teacher's salary in country.

That being said, there certainly are some perks from being a teacher. Many that I didn't expect!

Old people respect my career.
I don't even know why that matters but it does. I love sitting on a train and some old person asks me what I'm doing and I tell them I'm gonna be a teacher and they just bubble about it. They love it. "Kids these days doing all kinds of whosits with their degrees... teaching is something reliable!" Yessir. Reliable to get a job maybe. Not reliable to get paid... but thanks for your respect!

That look on a child's face...
When they understand my sarcasm. I try not to be too sarcastic around children because for the most part, they don't get it. At all. And why would I communicate to them in a way they don't understand. Yet, I can't help it when a little sarcastic comment comes out. And a kid looks over at me knowingly, maybe a little smile, that look in their eye, and they just get it. That's what teaching is all about.

Holidays are a BIG DEAL always.
So very true. There will always be a reason to celebrate in elementary school. I fully intend to be just like Miss Frizz, dressing over the top for small occasions. Making the small occasions into big ones makes the year a lot more interesting!

Well...
The fact is, when it comes down to the roots of it all, no one is a teacher because it is easy or because of the money (HAHAHAHA!!! Oh...) We're teachers because we truly feel that it is our calling in life. This stands for almost everyone I've met who is a teacher or who will be a teacher. It's fulfilling to be in a field where we feel such great purpose. 

So that's why I'm a teacher! And for the moments when I leave the classroom for two minute only to come back and find this.



And an update: Tomorrow I meet my field site teacher, the woman I'll be working with for the next year. What I know: It's a 3rd grade classroom, but you already knew that too. What I recently learned, however, is that it is a gifted classroom. Now I'm all kinds of excited.

12 comments:

Unknown said...

I have such respect for teachers. My son is starting Kindergarten in September and teachers will have just as much influence on his life as we do... ya'll are important ♥

Unknown said...

I've always felt like teaching would be so rewarding. :)

Amberly said...

For a lot of careers, I think the pay off isn't always shown in your paycheck, but like you said, in the unexpected perks!

Anosa said...

Without the good help I got from my teachers I wouldn't be here with a very well paid job so thank you future and past teachers x

Unknown said...

So much respect for teachers! It's a fantastic thing to help shape the future through kids! Everyone has a special teacher that's touched them. I still remember mine, shoutout to Mrs. Dapas (5th grade).

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Kellie said...

You will be one of those teachers that the kids will all remember. You will be one of those teachers that parents will request their children to have. I just know it. You, my dear Lara, will be one of those teachers who influence a child's life. Remember all those you had who influenced you, and thank them for who you are, and what you are becoming!

Unknown said...

Teachers get mad props from me. I barely know if I want my own kids, much less a room of 30 of them! I understand about calling though -- I run a small business because it's what I love doing and where I'm happiest. :)

Kelsey Eaton said...

what would we do without teachers! super cute blog. i love it!

Ashley Ziegler said...

Haha I love that picture!!

ChristmasOwl07 said...

Thanks for stopping by. charges for guest post is just as bad as charging for folks to comment. I mean, what the heck will they come up with next.

nightowlventing02.blogspot.com

Kristine@thefoleyfam said...

Teachers are heros in my eyes! Just the patience it requires literally blows my mind! Rock on! Looks like you're in for a great next year!

Unknown said...

Great post! And those unexpected perks are the best part of my job too. Such a blessing especially after a long day.