Teachers Address Education Law

I am of the firmest belief that I am a better human being because I am a teacher. It is the most fulfilling, most gratifying, most soulful work one could ever hope to do. And if you read my answers to some of the other questions you might not think that is the case. But it is. I LOVE BEING A TEACHER!!!

And you will, too. Figuring out how to navigate the inanity of the professional world outside the four walls of your classroom is, in my experience, much more challenging than working with the students who are in the classroom. Don't pay attention to the Hollywood movie version of teaching. The kids are not the enemy. Go and give your heart and soul to the job and you will love it. The folks in Washington D.C., the folks in the district office, the folks in the front administration office are the silent killer of teacher dreams but the kids, they are the real paycheck.

And you better find them as such because the lack of a significant financial paycheck for an educator means that your pay has to come from job satisfaction. Think about it, why do so many teachers stay at their jobs well beyond retirement age? It's because they love it. And if you approach it from the right perspective, you will, too.

However, if you look for shelter in another career when your heart cries out to go and get your own classroom, you'll forever regret it. Teaching is the best job out there in my opinion and I know very few other people who are as satisfied on the whole with their careers as I am.

But oh yeah, it's hard as nails. You are going to work your rear-end off. Don't be misled; the work load is incredible. However, the self-fulfillment is incredible as well. We've all only been given so many days on this planet so follow what you find to be most meaningful to you and in May, when you get your degree, go be a great teacher. It matters not where, as our nation needs fantastic educators at every level in every area. Private school, public - really, it matters not. But it does matter that you do it. America is facing a HUGE teacher shortage and we need more folks to step up and take the job and do it well.

Best of luck and God's speed to you.

At the end of the day, teaching and learning is about that sacred relationship between the teacher and the child, and a passing fad or new trend will never change that. It would be a shame if any prospective teacher decided not to offer thousands of children the benefit of his or her time and affection simply because the status quo isn't convenient. It's true that lots of things need to change before our profession can start attracting the quality and quantity of teachers we need for the 21^st century, but it is equally true that our best and brightest teachers will rise to the challenge each and every day, regardless of the political landscape. The struggle to find new ways to teach our children should be the reason that aspiring teachers want to join us, not the reason they decide not to.

Who do you short change if you choose either? If you are dedicated to teaching, then do it. Choose a school that embodies a philosophy similar to yours, one where you would find a home and a supportive environment. It will never be easy and rewards will often seem few, but the day a child comes back to you to tell you about their experience to date, or says that you reached them in some way, it will make it all worth it.