why i want to be a preschool teacher essay

25 Reasons Why Being a Preschool Teacher is Rewarding

Reviewed by Jon Konen, District Superintendent

When you choose a path to becoming an early childhood teacher, you are dedicating your professional life to helping our most precious resources grow into responsible, competent learners. Teaching one child, let alone a whole classroom of young learners is no simple task. Being an early childhood education teacher requires a good education from a school that specializes in training teachers.

You must also have a personal interest and passion for helping young kids, and watching them learn and achieve. This is one of the most heartwarming benefits of being a preschool teacher. On many days, you will spend more time engaging them and teaching them, and influencing their behavior more than anyone – including their parents. That’s why you simply need to acquire the in-depth knowledge and skills that only a preschool education focused degree program can provide.

Of course, you want to check the early childhood education job outlook when you compare programs. But if you can already hear yourself saying “this is why I love being a preschool teacher,” then this is probably the right career path no matter what.

But isn’t early childhood education really hard?

There are a million reasons why being a preschool teacher is rewarding. But every teaching job presents its challenges, no matter what grade level or subject. Teaching early childhood isn’t entirely a test of your patience and will. In fact, for those who truly love working with children, it’s a dream come true. That’s why we did our research and came up with this list of 25 ways early childhood education can be a personally rewarding profession. What you’ll find, is that there are many ways in which this job can feel gratifying. You can appreciate your work by seeing the progress in your students, by learning more about yourself, and by teaching them to appreciate the world around them.

How Do You Want to be Rewarded?

Whether you are a current early childhood educator in need of some inspiration, or a prospective student wondering if this is the right career path, you can enjoy this list and think about the ways you want to feel rewarded. Before you compare all the early childhood education degree programs in your area, make your own list of the ways you want to feel rewarded and appreciated in your teaching career.

1.) You get to experience things with them for the first time. This happens with most grade levels, but not to the extent that it happens in early childhood classrooms. When you are teaching early childhood education, you are often the first witness to so many groundbreaking moments. It will be these times when you really feel rewarded as a teacher. Sure, the long-term rewards are nice, like having a student come back to visit you after several years. But, these are the daily ‘wins’ that will keep you motivated.

2.) Get to help children learn in new ways. The cool thing about being an early childhood education teacher is that you have to apply different methods sometimes to different students, depending on their learning style . Unlike a manufacturing job, which utilizes the exact same processes for production, teaching is an art and a science in some ways. Seeing the effectiveness of different approaches will also help develop your interpersonal skills for communicating with all age groups. Definitely one of the benefits of being a preschool teacher.  

3.) The feeling you get when you overcome challenges. It never fails: Just when you’re about to question how much more patience you have, just when you start wanting to give up – your students will have a breakthrough, and you will want to kiss the ground, and do your happy dance. There is nothing better than having a high-five moment with a young student when they make a breakthrough – another one of the awesome reasons why being a preschool teacher is rewarding.  

4.) You get better at multi-tasking. As you can imagine, you better stay organized when you’re teaching a class of early childhood students. If you don’t, you could quickly lose control of your curriculum, and classroom behavior. When you practice goal-setting and stick to a schedule, you will notice your organizational skills and ability to multi-task will improve. When you consider the early childhood education job outlook in your area, consider the additional personal benefits you can gain besides long-term job security.

5.) It comes with the responsibility of keeping children safe. There is a somewhat noble feeling that goes along with teaching preschool education. Knowing that you are taking care of the most vulnerable people among us, helping them learn and grow into responsible people – and keeping them safe – is a big responsibility. One that you will definitely feel good about.

6.) They will thank you when they’re grown. When people say this is “why I love being a preschool teacher,” this is one of the many reasons why. But it’s worth the wait. We can’t count how many teachers have shared their stories about students who come back to thank them after several years away. It will amaze you to see how quickly they grow into adults and start making their own way in the world. And when they do, they will remember you, and thank you for setting them up for success.

7.) Can make you a better parent, babysitter, and coolest family member. When you are a natural around children, they can definitely feel it. If you embrace the same passion and love for helping kids learn and enjoy childhood, you can be the coolest aunt or uncle, or family friend a kid could have. You can also help model healthy and fun behavior for other adults who may not have your natural ability to connect with kids. Does this make you want to learn more about the early childhood education career outlook?  

8.) You can tap your own inner child. As a tangent of the previous example, being an preschool education teacher gives you the freedom to explore the parts of yourself that thrive off childlike experiences. You can refresh your imagination and creative skills through the activities you plan, and the learning outcomes you aim for with your students.

9.) The health and retirement benefits can add up. Let’s take a brief break from pulling your heartstrings and talk about health and retirement benefits of being a preschool teacher. Although there are many occupations that have higher pay scales than education, the benefits can definitely be a perk. As you know, health insurance is never cheap. And it’s not easy to save for retirement on your own.  That’s why being a preschool teacher is rewarding for people who are passionate about this field, and want to have security for retirement and potential health issues.

10.) Can lead to higher positions. Even if you love being an early childhood education teacher, there can come a time when you want to move on to other positions. Maybe you think you can make a bigger impact in curriculum development, or working for a children’s book publisher. Or maybe you want to be principal of an elementary school one day? Why not? The great thing about teaching is that you can always keep moving forward and advancing to new levels. We need stellar educators more than ever. When you speak with schools about the early childhood education job outlook  and your goals, be sure to ask about career advancement and degree requirements for your longterm job aspirations.

11.) Makes you more creative. When you are working with young kids every day, you are bound to tap more of your own creative mental abilities than you would in an office full of adults. Children are not inhibited by the knowledge and logic that sometimes dampens our ability to think outside the box, so to speak. When you work with kids, you will witness your own imagination and creativity come alive. If you are a writer, you may find yourself writing children’s books. Or if you are an art teacher , your students will serve as plenty of inspiration.

12.) You become more patient. You think having one or two kids at home requires patience? Try having a full classroom of young students whose minds are working at a rapid pace to understand what’s going on, while getting your attention, while trying to control their impulses. It can be overwhelming if you think too much about it. Again, that’s why early childhood education requires training. The early childhood education career outlook can be attractive, but remember it’s more than just a job. Through experience, you will develop the right level of patience. Just don’t beat yourself up if you feel frustrated – especially when you start teaching. That’s when you need to put yourself in time out, and speak with a peer who can relate to your experience.

13.) They are willing learners. You know what else is cool about teaching preschool education? Children at that age aren’t cynical or defensive about learning new things – which can change with age. When children are young and starting to learn, they are willing participants in the education process with you. They want to learn about the world just as badly as you want to teach them.

14.) They still believe in magic. In many ways, it is your job to dispel some of the wonder and magic children see in the world around them by instilling knowledge and new behaviors into their beings. Yes, you may witness the disappointment in their eyes when one student tells another the truth about Santa Claus. And you may have to be the one who tells them unicorns aren’t real, and neither are genies. But there will be many experiences when their curiosity and wonder will take over, and you will be reminded how special it is to have a child’s imagination. This is one of the most awesome benefits of being a preschool teacher. Instead of thinking of yourself as a spoiler, find ways to help them explore their creativity and leaps of logic in healthy ways. Mixing education and imagination is another reason why being a preschool teacher is rewarding.

15.) Job growth on pace with national average. Being a early childhood education teacher can be rewarding if you make a long-term career of it. Fortunately, job growth in early childhood education is on par with the national average of 7%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Even though you may not think about this fact on a day-to-day level, it can feel rewarding to know you have a good chance at job security as long as you remain passionate and effective in your role as a teacher. So far, the early childhood education job outlook can be promising, with the right training.  

16.) You can teach them about serious topics in fun ways. You probably don’t think of money as ‘fun’, right? We know, you didn’t become a preschool education teacher to become rich; and that’s a good thing. Teachers can earn a fine living, but it’s not the most high-paying, glamorous profession. But your students should start learning about the concept of money at a young age. You want to help them become responsible, as well as generous and caring towards others. Developing a healthy attitude about money, and helping kids avoid obsessions with material wealth is important in raising kids to exhibit moral behavior. This article from U.S. News and World Report can show you fun ways to teach children about money – without boring or corrupting them!  

17.) You see the results of your work – sometimes instantly. Yet another reason why so many experiences educators say “this is why I love being a preschool teacher.” How many jobs out there show you instant results the moment you perform a task? Very few, quite honestly. Even the biggest businesses that spend millions on data analysis can’t see the results of their marketing efforts as quickly as early childhood educators can see changes in their students. You will lose track of how many ‘ah-ha’ moments you witness as a teacher. In fact, go ahead and start keeping a notebook that you fill with every ah-ha moment you see in a child as they learn. And on those tough days, when you wonder if the efforts you make are really making an impact, you can open that notebook and reassure yourself that you are doing awesome. This can be a nice benefit to the early childhood education career outlook for salary and employment levels in your area.  

18.) Every day brings something new. If you think having a child in the early childhood age range brought new experiences every day, just wait until you have a whole classroom full of curious kids! Every day will bring about a new development, a new funny moment for everyone to laugh at, unexpected challenges – and who knows what else! That’s one of the many rewarding aspects of this job: it teaches you to embrace the unexpected parts of life, and accept the things you have no control over.  

19.) They are hilarious – and honest. There was an old radio show called “Kids Say the Darndest Things” as part of a program that ran through the late 1940-1960’s.  The concept of the show highlighted the funniest things kids said to questions asked by adults. The answers were often hilarious – even if the kids weren’t in on the joke. Even though you should always take your students seriously when they are being honest and vulnerable with you, there will be moments when you can’t believe how hilarious they are. Whether you are doing art projects, writing assignments or playing games, let their sense of humor shine in your classroom. It will make your job more rewarding, and entertaining!  

20.) You get to remember what it was like to be a kid. You know what’s super-awesome about being an early childhood education teacher? You get to act like a kid (when appropriate) too! Being a teacher isn’t about separating yourself from the kids, and bringing them to your level. It’s about exploring their minds, finding out how they learn best, and helping them grasp new concepts so they can develop their unique worldview. This means you will have plenty of opportunities to dive into their worlds and let them lead you where their mind goes. This will remind you how carefree childhood was before the adult world, and the challenges that go with it, crept up on you.  

21.) You can help shape healthy habits. Since your students will likely eat lunch, and a morning and afternoon snack in your care, why not use this meal time to inform them about the importance of nutrition? As a preschool education teacher, you will not only feel good about instilling them with knowledge that helps form healthy habits, but you can impact their overall health for the rest of their lives. It’s much easier for kids to maintain healthy lifestyles as adults if they start off eating well and exercising at a young age. Be that role model in their lives. Trust us, you’ll feel great about it! This is one of the cool benefits of being a preschool teacher.  

22.) You can be their first partner in goal-setting. Probably not the main reason why people say, “here’s why I love being a preschool teacher.” By now, you probably know how important it is to set yearly goals for your students. This will involve setting smaller goals as well with your curriculum. As you break down your daily assignments, weekly/monthly/quarterly goals, think of ways you can include your students in the conversation. That way, they understand the big picture too, and feel like they’re a part of your team. Once of the reasons why being a preschool teacher is rewarding is that you can include your students in your personal goals.

For the visual learners, create a large chart that tracks your progress throughout the year. You can even make it fun, and depict your class in an old wooden ship crossing a large ocean towards an island with treasure. The closer they get to accomplish their goals, the closer the ship gets to the island. You can even attach a real reward, like a pizza party, for the day they achieve their goal. This will help your students understand the importance and power of setting goals and following through. When you consider the salary and early childhood education career outlook, think about these types of details that can enhance your life.  

23.) You can help parents understand the beauty of their kids. Sometimes parents get so caught up in their work, financial stress, and making sure the kids have their needs met, that they overlook the little things about their kids that you notice when you are teaching them. Make sure to communicate with parents what their child’s strengths are, academically and relating to their personalities. It is a good feeling when you reassure parents they are doing a good job. And when you need them as a partner in their child’s development, they’ll be ready to stand beside you. This is one of the ways being a preschool teacher is rewarding.  

24.) They teach you about yourself. We spend so much time thinking about ways we help kids, how we teach them, and how we impact their lives – what about the things they reveal about us? One rewarding aspect of being an early childhood education teacher is how much they can tell us about ourselves, without even knowing it. When you teach your students, be mindful of how you approach them, react to their excitement, worry, fears, and challenges. Think about how you can improve and self-assess to become a better teacher. The last thing you should ever think as a teacher is “I know everything.” There is the old cliché about the student becoming the teacher for a reason. Sometimes, it’s the children that adults should be learning from. With a little humility and mindfulness, you will be able to appreciate that.  

25.) That bittersweet feeling at the end of every school year. We know how exhausting the school year is for all preschool education teachers and administrators. In the thick of the madness, it can seem like an eternity until the end of May/early June arrives. But don’t daydream your life away, counting the days until summer break. Ask any retired teacher if they could have another day or week or month with any of their classes, and they would take it in a heartbeat. The salary potential and early childhood education career outlook can’t tell you these sweet details.

Sure, you deserve a break after working so hard with your students all year, but don’t be surprised if you start feeling nostalgic as soon as the last bus leaves the parking lot on that last day of school. Of course, September always comes back before you know it. Just remember, in the midst of the stressful moments, take a deep breath and remember how rewarding it is when they finally ‘get it’ or tell you how much they appreciate you. When teachers talk about “why I love being a preschool teacher,” you can bet this is one.

When you think about teaching young children, in what ways do imagine feeling rewarded for your hard work?

Please share your thoughts, ideas, and personal experiences with us! You can chat it up with us on social media, or you can leave your comments below.

If you are ready to learn why being a preschool teacher is rewarding, as well as the early childhood education job outlook? We can help connect you with schools that offer programs in education, and will talk to you about the benefits of being a preschool teacher. All you have to do is use our search tools to narrow your options in your state. Good luck on your journey towards a career teaching young children. It is a rewarding career in so many ways. We can’t wait to hear about your success!

Why i Became a Preschool Teacher

Provide a personal narrative or a series of interviews with preschool teachers explaining their motivations for choosing this profession. Highlight the joys and challenges of early childhood education, the impact on children’s lives, and the personal and professional rewards of teaching young learners. Discuss the skills and qualities essential for being an effective preschool teacher. At PapersOwl, you’ll also come across free essay samples that pertain to Employment.

How it works

For many years, the uncertainty of what age a child should start school has been an ongoing problem. When the time comes, eventually parents need to send their children to school. Who doesn’t like a head start? Why not take advantage of the early opportunity? Parents sending their children to pre-k benefits them in being ahead in their academic skills for kindergarten and later on in their studies. Not only do these children’s studies improve but preschool promotes structure, socialization, and easier transitions.

Although some may be stuck on the idea of keeping them at home until school is mandated, school curriculums are changing and only getting more advanced. In the end, the only ones affected are the children and their future. When entering preschool, starting off strong is key in the first few years of schooling due to the lack of familiarity for a child. Preparation for Kindergarten starts a year before, and what’s a better way to familiarize a child than starting in preschool? Preschool promotes recognition of letters and numbers instead of just memorizing the ABCs and the “pointing-to-count” technique. 

The Sydney Morning Herald stated that “ children who attend a high-quality early childhood program in the year before school are up to 40 percent ahead of their peers by the time they reach year three in primary school.” There is nothing wrong with learning at an early age, and keeping them at home isn’t as beneficial. Being ahead is always better than falling behind. Preschool has lifetime effects. Promoting structure in a preschool is crucial. When having structure, students feel secure and have a relief of knowing when things happen in the typical school day. A structured environment aids children by learning order and organization, knowing what is expected of them and when, and developing self-discipline. According to Psychology Today, the source stated statistics that prove going to preschool develops a structure for ongoing years. “At age 28, the adults who received preschool educations years before had significantly higher job prestige, earnings, and socioeconomic status.” What children carry out in a preschool setting is carried out through life. In order for a healthy future, getting children to improve in social skills is necessary. Socialization skills are essential and are a big part in why parents want their children in preschool. Getting them to be social is another key lesson that they carry on during their lives. Once children begin attending school, they aren’t just socializing with their family and the people they are familiar with and see on a daily basis.

As expected, people get offended when I tell someone, who I think is not cut out to be a preschool teacher. They ask me, “Why? Teaching is the easiest job in the world and anyone can do it easily.” And few have even gone to the extent of saying, “If someone can not find any work, they become a preschool teacher, so what makes teaching so special?” Teachers, all over the world, know otherwise. Teaching is not only hard and tiring, it is, in some cases, also thankless and highly unappreciated.

What makes teaching such a noble profession is the fact that a preschool teacher does not only educate but also guides and inspires the ?????? to become an essential pillar or at least a viable element of society. Once bonded, a student becomes an integral part of a teacher’s life, who can never be forgotten. No matter how old you have grown or how far you have gone in your life, your teacher will always remember you. (Unless they are suffering from a memory loss)

Since I was a troubled pupil in my early school years, I was able to connect better with my students during my preschool teaching career. I was able to understand the problems they faced yet could not tell me and helped them accordingly. What made me so sincere towards this profession was the fact that my own school teachers made tremendous efforts to help become me an acceptable individual in society. If it had not been for them, my life would not have been very successful. I drew my motivation from this fact and took it upon myself to go beyond the limits to help my students.

Unlike most other professions, preschool teaching is the closest one to parenthood. A teacher not just sacrifices time but also mental peace and physical health. Always thinking of new ways to teach and new ideas to make lectures interesting but in the end, very few are recognized or appreciated for their efforts. Surprisingly, this does not stop a teacher from working towards the success of the students, because like a parent, a teacher’s efforts are not directed towards rewards or recognition but towards the success of their students. Apart from our loved ones, teachers are the only people who will cherish your success in life.

A preschool teacher is responsible for the future of the next generation. This is not a profession for the weak, irresponsible or unconcerned, who are in it just for the money. This profession will test your limits, put you to your wit’s end and turn you into an exhausted, sleep-deprived but morally satisfied individual. I love this profession and have worked with sheer determination, diligence and persistence because in return I received tremendous love, guidance, and most importantly respect but you should take a moment and ask yourself,

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Becoming a Teacher: What I Learned about Myself During the Pandemic

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Introduction to the Article by Andrew Stremmel

Now, more than ever, we need to hear the voices of preservice teachers as well as in-service teachers during this pandemic. How has the pandemic affected them? In what ways has the pandemic enabled them to think about the need to really focus on what matters, what’s important? What were the gains and losses? These are very important questions for our time.  In this essay, Alyssa Smith, a senior studying early childhood education, attempts to address the lessons learned from her junior year, focusing on the positive aspects of her coursework and demonstrating an imaginative, growth mindset. This essay highlights the power of students’ reflection on their own learning. But I think it does so much more meaningful contemplation than we might expect of our students in “normal” times. Alyssa gains a new appreciation for this kind of active reflection—the opportunity to think more critically; to be more thoughtful; to stop, step back, catch her breath, and rethink things. As a teacher educator and her mentor, I believe this essay represents how the gift of time to stop and reflect can open space to digest what has been experienced, and how the gift of reflective writing can create a deeper level of thinking about how experiences integrate with one’s larger narrative as a person.

About the Author

Andrew Stremmel, PhD, is professor in early childhood education at South Dakota State University. His research is in teacher action research and Reggio Emilia-inspired, inquiry-based approaches to early childhood teacher education. He is an executive editor of  Voices of Practitioners .  

I’ve always known I was meant to be a teacher. I could feel my passion guide my work and lead my heart through my classes. So why did I still feel as if something was missing? During the fall of my junior year, the semester right before student teaching, I began to doubt my ability to be a great teacher, as I did not feel completely satisfied in my work. What I did not expect was a global pandemic that would shut down school and move all coursework online. I broke down. I wanted to do more than simply be a good student. I wanted to learn to be a great teacher. How was I supposed to discover my purpose and find what I was missing when I couldn’t even attend my classes? I began to fret that I would never become the capable and inspirational educator that I strived to be, when I was missing the firsthand experience of being in classrooms, interacting with children, and collaborating with peers.

It wasn’t until my first full semester being an online student that I realized the pandemic wasn’t entirely detrimental to my learning. Two of my early childhood education courses, Play and Inquiry and Pedagogy and Curriculum, allowed limited yet meaningful participation in a university lab school as well as engagement with problems of substance that require more intense thinking, discussion, analysis, and thoughtful action. These problems, which I briefly discuss below, presented challenges, provocations, possibilities, and dilemmas to be pondered, and not necessarily resolved. Specifically, they pushed me to realize that the educational question for our time is not, “What do I need to know about how to teach?” Rather, it is, “What do I need to know about myself in the context of this current pandemic?” I was therefore challenged to think more deeply about who I wanted to be as a teacher and who I was becoming, what I care about and value, and how I will conduct myself in the classroom with my students.

These three foundations of teaching practice (who I want to be, what I value, and how I will conduct myself) were illuminated by a question that was presented to us students in one of the very first classes of the fall 2020 semester: “What’s happening right now in your experience that will help you to learn more about yourself and who you are becoming?” This provocation led me to discover that, while the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light (and at times magnified) many fears and insecurities I had as a prospective teacher, it also provided me with unique opportunities, time to reflect, and surprising courage that I feel would not otherwise have been afforded and appreciated.

Although I knew I wanted to be a teacher, I had never deliberately pondered the idea of what kind of teacher I wanted to be. I held the core values of being an advocate for children and helping them grow as confident individuals, but I still had no idea what teaching style I was to present. Fortunately, the pandemic enabled me to view my courses on play and curriculum as a big “look into the mirror” to discern what matters and what was important about becoming a teacher.

As I worked through the rest of the course, I realized that this project pushed me to think about my identity as an educator in relation to my students rather than simply helping me understand my students, as I initially thought. Instead, a teacher’s identity is formed in relation to or in relationship with our students: We take what we know about our students and use it to shape ourselves and how we teach. I found that I had to take a step back and evaluate my own perceptions and beliefs about children and who I am in relation to them. Consequently, this motivated me to think about myself as a classroom teacher during the COVID-19 pandemic. What did I know about children that would influence the way I would teach them?

I thought about how children were resilient, strong, and adaptable, possessing an innate ability to learn in nearly any setting. While there were so many uncertainties and fear surrounding them, they adapted to mask-wearing, limited children in the classroom, and differentiated tasks to limit cross-contamination. Throughout, the children embodied being an engaged learner. They did not seem to focus on what they were missing; their limitless curiosity could not keep them from learning. Yet, because young children learn primarily through relationships, they need some place of learning that helps them to have a connection with someone who truly knows, understands, and cares about them. Thus, perhaps more than any lesson, I recognized my relationship with children as more crucial. By having more time to think about children from this critical perspective, I felt in my heart the deeper meaning children held to me.

My compassion for children grew, and a greater respect for them took shape, which overall is what pushed me to see my greater purpose for who I want to be as an educator. The pandemic provided time to develop this stronger vision of children, a clearer understanding of how they learn, and how my identity as a teacher is formed in relationship with children. I don’t think I would have been able to develop such a rich picture of how I view children without an in-depth exploration of my identity, beliefs, and values.

In my curriculum course, I was presented a different problem that helped me reflect on who I am becoming as an educator. This was presented as a case study where we as students were asked the question, “Should schools reopen amidst the COVID-19 pandemic?” This was a question that stumped school districts around the nation, making me doubt that I would be able to come up with anything that would be remotely practical. I now was experiencing another significant consequence of the pandemic: a need for new, innovative thinking on how to address state-wide academic issues. My lack of confidence, paired with the unknowns presented by the pandemic, made me feel inadequate to take on this problem of meaning.

To address this problem, I considered more intentionally and reflectively what I knew about how children learn; issues of equity and inequality that have led to a perceived achievement gap; the voices of both teachers and families; a broader notion of what school might look like in the “new normal”; and the role of the community in the education of young children. Suddenly, I was thinking in a more critical way about how to address this problem from the mindset of an actual and more experienced teacher, one who had never faced such a conundrum before. I knew that I had to design a way to allow children to come back into a classroom setting, and ultimately find inspiration for learning in this new normal. I created this graphic (above) to inform families and teachers why it is vital to have students return to school. As a result, I became an educator. I was now thinking, feeling, and acting as a teacher. This case study made me think about myself and who I am becoming as a teacher in a way that was incredibly real and relevant to what teachers were facing. I now found inspiration in the COVID-19 pandemic, as it unlocked elements of myself that I did not know existed.

John Dewey (1916) has been attributed to stating, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” Learning may begin in the classroom, but it does not end there. Likewise, teaching is not a role, but a way of being. The ability to connect with children and to engage them meaningfully depends less on the methods we use than on the degree to which we know and trust ourselves and are willing to share that knowledge with them. That comes through continually reflecting on who we are in relation to children and their families, and what we do in the classroom to create more meaningful understanding of our experiences. By embodying the role of being an educator, I grew in ways that classroom curriculum couldn't prepare me for. Had it not been for the pandemic, this might not have been possible.

Dewey, J. 1916. Democracy and Education: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education . New York: MacMillan.

Alyssa Marie Smith  is currently an early childhood education student studying at South Dakota State University. She has been a student teacher in the preschool lab on campus, and now works as a kindergarten out of school time teacher in this same lab school. In the fall, she plans to student teach in an elementary setting, and then go on to teach in her own elementary classroom.

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19 Top Ideas for a “Why I want to be a Teacher” Essay

Here are the 19 best reasons you would want to be a teacher that you can include in your essay:

• To help children learn more effectively.
• To ensure children have positive mentors.
• To improve children’s lives.
• To help future generations solve the problems of today.
• To help the future generations become good citizens.
• To inspire future generations to create a more equal world.
• To give back to the community I grew up in.
• To be a part of helping my community thrive.
• To be a part of my community’s decision-making processes.
• Because you have the patience for working with children.
• Because you have compassion for children.
• Because you want to learn from children.
• Because you’re enthusiastic about learning.
• Because you are a generous person.
• Because you’re interested in learning how to teach difficult students.
• Because you’re interested in learning how to work with difficult parents.
• Because you’re interested in learning diverse strategies for teaching,
• Because you’re interested in learning to master classroom management.
• Because you’re interested in learning what works and what doesn’t in teaching.

The ‘Why I want to be a teacher’ essay is all about showing you have thought in-depth about what a teacher does and what their role is in society. It’s also about showing you think you’d be a good person to conduct that role.

The 9 Tips are split into five categories. You can scan this whole post or browse through the categories here:

This essay is hard to get right.

Most students write the exact same thing as one another with the same old cliché statements like “because I love kids” (ugh, wrong answer!). If you do this, your teacher will just give you an average grade (or worse).

You need your essay on “why you want to be a teacher” to be different – indeed excellent – so it stands out for your teacher.

I’ll show you how.

Why should you listen to me? Well, I’ve been teaching university students in education departments for 8 years. In that time I’ve marked several thousand essays by people aiming to become teachers. I know what essays get top marks and which ones are average. I also know exactly what mistakes students make that make their essays seem … dull.

So, let me get you started out by introducing 19 points that you should make in your essay on why you want to be a teacher. I’ll break these 19 points down into 5 separate categories. Check them out below.

Read Also: Is Being a Teacher Worth It? (Why I Quit a Good Job)

1. Definitely do not say “because kids are fun”. Do this instead.

The word ‘fun’ is a big red flag for markers. Too many people want to become teachers because they think it would be a fun profession. Or, they might think that they want to help children have fun . No, no, no.

This is an incorrect answer in your essay about why you want to become a teacher.

Yes, teaching is fun a lot of the time. And it is really nice to see students having fun based on activities you’ve set for them.

But society isn’t paying you to have fun, or even to make children have fun. You’re not going to be a child minder, aunt, uncle or clown. You’re going to be a professional who has a bigger social purpose than having fun.

Now, a lot of students say to me “But, students learn more when they’re having fun.” Sure, that might be true – but it’s not a central reason for teaching.

If making learning more fun is genuinely a reason why you decided to become a teacher, then you need to frame it in a way that shows the importance of teaching for the good of students. Here’s three better ways to say ‘because kids are fun’; for each on, we can start with “I want to become a teacher because…”:

• I want to help children learn more effectively. You could say something like: …When I was in school, learning was hard and I therefore hated teaching. There were a lot of teachers who seemed uninspired and uninterested in whether their children are learning. I was inspired to become a teacher so I could help children like myself to learn in ways that are engaging, motivating and inspiring.
• I want to ensure children have positive mentors. You could say something like: …Many children in the world don’t have positive mentors at home. A teacher is often the one person in a child’s life who is a stable mentor that the child can lean upon. I chose to become a teacher because I believe all children need a positive mentor that instils in them an interest in the world and a belief that they can make something of themselves.
• I want to improve children’s lives. You could say something like: …Being a teacher will give me the power to make children’s lives better. Learning opens doors to new opportunities, ways of thinking and paths in life that children wouldn’t have had before me. I am inspired by the idea of helping a child who is sad, uncertain and lacks confidence to see their own potential for creating a fulfilling life for themselves.

All three of those ideas still skirt around the idea that helping children have fun is something you want to see happen, but they also point out that there’s something deeper here than the idea that children should have fun: they should have fun for a reason. That reason could be so they learn more, develop an interest in the world, or see that their lives are full of potential.

Note that in my three examples above, I never used the word ‘fun’: it’s too much of a red flag for your markers.

2. Explain how teaching helps the world! Here’s how.

Have you ever heard someone say that ‘Teaching is a noble profession’? Well, it is. And this is something you really should be talking about in your essay on why you want to become a teacher.

Your teacher will be impressed by your understanding that teaching is a profession that keeps the world turning. Without teachers, where would we be? Probably back in the dark ages where people couldn’t read or write, technology wasn’t advancing very quickly at all, and people mostly lived in ignorance of their world.

So, being a teacher is has a bigger social purpose. As a teacher, you’ll be an important piece of society. You’ll be one of the army of tens – no, hundreds – of thousands of people helping future generations to propel our world towards better days. Below are some ways teaching helps the world. You can start these off with “I want to become a teacher because…”

• I want to help future generations solve the problems of today. Being a teacher gives you the opportunity to propel students to greater heights. The children in your classrooms will be the people who solve climate change (oh, goodness, I hope so!), create the technologies to make our lives more comfortable, and get us out of the ecological, economic and political messes we seem to have gotten ourselves into!
• I want to help the future generations become good citizens. There’s a concept called the ‘ hidden curriculum ’. This concept points to the fact that children learn more at school than what’s in the tests. They also learn how to get along, manners, democratic values and the importance of sharing. These soft skills are more than just a by-product of education. They’re incredibly important for showing our students how to get along in our society.
• I want to inspire future generations to create a more equal world. A lot of what we talk about at school are moral issues: what’s the right and wrong thing to do? How do our actions ensure or hinder equality of races, genders and social classes? As a teacher, you will be instilling in children the idea that the decisions they make will lead to a more or less equal world. And of course, we all want a more equal world for our children.

These points are some higher-order points that will help you teacher see that you’re becoming a teacher for more than ‘fun’. You’re becoming a teacher because you see the noble purpose in teaching. If you do this right, you’ll surely impress your teacher.

3. Discuss your commitment to community. Here’s how.

Teachers are at the center of communities. Parents take their children to school, drop them off, then go to work. They busily get on with their jobs: architect, shop assistant, nurse, builder, and so on… Then, they all come back at the end of the day to collect their children from school.

School is one of the few things that brings all of these different members of a community together. Parents gather around the pick up location to gather their kids, and there they stand around and chat about sports and politics and community issues.

School is at the heart of community.

And you, as a teacher, will be one of the respected members of that community: there to serve all the members of the community by helping to raise their children with the values of the community in which you live.

You can talk about this as a central reason why you want to be a teacher. How about you start off with: “I want to become a teacher because…”

• I want to give back to the community I grew up in. You could say …I grew up in a close-knit community where we all looked out for one another. Being a teacher will give me the opportunity to give back to my friends and mentors in the town who need someone to raise their children who they trust will do a great job.
• I want to be a part of helping my community thrive. You could talk about how you are from a growing community that needs good quality, respectable people who will educate future members of your community. As a teacher, you will be at the heart of ensuring your local town remains a great place to live.
• I want to be a part of my community’s decision-making processes. Teachers hold a certain authority: they know how students learn, and they usually have a very deep understanding of what is best for children in order to ensure they thrive. You can talk about how you want to become a person with deep knowledge about the children in your community so you can help guide you community’s decisions around how to raise their young people.

Note that in this group of ideas, ‘community’ represents the close-knit town in which you live, whereas in point 2, I talked about ‘society’, which was the bigger picture of the future of our nation or world rather than just your town.

4. Discuss the personality traits you think you can bring to the role. Here’s how.

You should show how you have reflected on the requirements of the role of teaching and thought about whether you have the personality traits that are required.

Why? Well, you need to be able to show that you know what being a teacher is all about… and that you think you’d be good at it.

So, let’s dive in to 5 personality traits that teachers have, and how you can show you have those traits:

• Patience. Patience is an enormously popular skill for teachers to have. You’ll have kids who just don’t understand concepts one iota, and you’ve got to sit there and work with them until they get it. It’s tedious, let me tell you!
• Compassion. Patience and compassion go hand-in-hand. If you don’t feel empathy for the kid who’s struggling super hard at learning, you’ll get pretty mad and just give up. You might also say some mean things to the kid! So, compassion is really necessary if you want to become a good teacher.
• Open minded. Teachers always need to be learning new things. We often talk about the importance of learning with students more than directly teaching If you set a student a task, you’ll be sending them out to gather as much information on the topic as possible. They’ll often come back with new knowledge and you will want to praise them for teaching you something new.
• Enthusiasm. Let me tell you, when it’s Wednesday afternoon in the middle of a hot school week and everyone’s depressed and flat there’s one person to rally the troops: you! Teachers need to wake up every morning, put their happy face on, and march into the classroom with boundless enthusiasm. It’ll motivate your students and make them feel welcome in the learning environment.
• Generosity. You need to be generous with your time and praise. You need to be constantly thinking about the students in your care and doing anything you can to help them learn, instil in them a love of learning, and give them the confidence to try anything. Teachers need to be very generous people.

There’s a ton more traits that make a good teacher that you can talk about. These are just a few. Go forth and learn more, and add them to your essay!

5. Conclude with the things you still need to learn. Here’s how.

One more thing: good teachers are constantly learning. As someone studying to be a teacher, you need to remember that there’s a long way to go before you have all the answers. Heck, I’ve been a teacher for nearly a decade and I’m not even half way towards knowing everything about being a good teacher.

So, conclude your essay by highlighting that you understand what the role of a teacher is in society and the key competencies required of a teacher; but then go further and mention your enthusiasm to learn more about the profession over the coming years.

Here’s 5 things you can mention that you still need to learn:

• How to teach difficult students. Some students hate school – mostly because of their terrible experiences in the past. You need to learn to get through to difficult students, and this takes time and patience to learn the art of inspiring the uninspired.
• How to work with difficult parents. Oh boy, you’ll have a lot of these. You can highlight this as one of the key things you want to work on in the coming years: again, you’ll need to draw on that skill of patience (as well as the skill of diplomacy ) when it comes time to deal with an angry parent.
• Diverse strategies for teaching. There are a lot of different ways to go about teaching. Over the years you’ll pick up on the various strategies and tricks different teachers have to help children learn.
• Classroom management. This is one of the hardest things young teachers need to learn. And really, it just takes time. Discuss how this is something you want to focus on, and how you’ll use mentors to really work on this skill.
• What works and what doesn’t. Great teachers have this intuitive knowledge about what works and what doesn’t, all based upon their deep experience and trial-and-error. The only way to learn to teach is to do it. Over the coming years, you’ll be learning about this. A lot.

You’ll only need one or two paragraphs on this final point, but it’s a great way to end your essay on why you want to become a teacher. It’ll show your humility and eagerness to take on one of the noblest professions in the world.

If you want to learn to write a top notch conclusion, you might also like my post on the 5 C’s Conclusion method .

Before you finish up your essay, you might want to check out my awesome posts on how to improve your essays, like these ones:

• How to write a killer Introduction
• My perfect paragraph formula , and
• How to edit your essay like a pro .

I promised 19 thoughtful points to make in your essay about why you want to be a teacher. Here they are, all summed up in one final list:

• Say you want to help children learn more effectively.
• Say you want to ensure children have positive mentors.
• Say you want to improve children’s lives.
• Say you want to help future generations solve the problems of today.
• Say you want to help the future generations become good citizens.
• Say you want to inspire future generations to create a more equal world.
• Say you want to give back to the community you grew up in.
• Say you want to be a part of helping your community thrive.
• Say you want to be a part of your community’s decision-making processes.
• Say you want to share your patience with your students.
• Say you want to share your compassion with your students.
• Say you want to learn from your students (be ‘open minded’)
• Say you want to share your enthusiasm for learning with your students.
• Say you want to share your generosity with your students.
• Say you’re interested in learning how to teach difficult students.
• Say you’re interested in learning how to work with difficult parents.
• Say you’re interested in learning diverse strategies for teaching,
• Say you’re interested in learning to master classroom management.
• Say you’re interested in learning what works and what doesn’t in teaching.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ What is Educational Psychology?
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ What is IQ? (Intelligence Quotient)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples

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I taught preschool for 15 years. Here’s what I saw: the good, the bad, and the scary.

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Share All sharing options for: I taught preschool for 15 years. Here’s what I saw: the good, the bad, and the scary.

My first job as a preschool teacher was at a local drop-in day care where I live in San Diego, California, that also ran a small preschool class. The school was one large, chaotic room with one smaller room for the “preschool” cordoned off by large, primary-colored plastic blocks. I taught for the first time in that tiny room, surrounded by the screaming, happy kids of the drop-in facility. Surely my kids didn’t learn anything in that din, but I loved them, and they were well cared for.

When my son turned 5 and entered kindergarten, I got a job at a typical preschool. The parents at this preschool were mostly lower middle class. I worked six hours a day, and when my son was out of school for holidays, I was able to bring him with me to work. I worked hard at my job and felt awe, at times fear, at the amount of influence I had over the children’s lives, their day-to-day emotional and mental health.

This preschool was typical of the preschools I taught at over the next 15 years, bad and good. Bad: high ratio of children to adult, very low pay for teachers, terrible teachers not getting fired or replaced. Good: joyful recess time outside, lots of story time and creative play, childhood friendships forming, and, often, friendships between good teachers and warm parents.

My time as a preschool teacher has taught me this: Parents cannot rely on preschools themselves, or the state and local laws that regulate the schools, to ensure their children are being treated well. Even at well-run preschools, I’ve seen teachers behave in subtly persistent or outright cruel and, at times, physically harmful ways. The strongest advocates for children are their parents.

Preschool teachers are hard to recruit and retain — and hard to fire, even if they’re terrible

A teacher at one of the schools where I worked early on was known as Scary Mary. This is what the 4-year-olds called her as they clustered in the corners of the playground. She was short, with a black bob, and she smiled ear to ear at the parents. Like a Disney villain, as soon as she was alone in her classroom with the kids, her voice changed from a high chirp to a bark. She maintained a glossy red manicure, and she’d snap her fingers while yelling at the kids. She often reacted to misbehavior with pointed, cruel remarks. An assistant teacher who worked with Scary Mary seemed completely terrified of her; she barely spoke.

Once, I walked by Scary Mary’s open door and saw her pull a child out of his seat. A blond boy who was prone to nose picking and daydreaming had once again let his lunch sit, uneaten, while he talked and giggled. Scary Mary yanked him out of his seat — hard enough that his knees hit the underside of the table — and wagged her finger in his face. “You are a bad boy!” she said. “Do you want your mom and dad to cry because you don’t eat? You want to be skinny and small like a girl?”

I went on my lunch break and made a complaint with the director. She nodded seriously and assured me she would talk to Mary.

A few weeks later, I saw Scary Mary grab another child by the belt loop. He cried as she leaned over him. All I could see was the small hump of her bent back and the rounded curve of his dimpled elbow sticking out.

I cried in the hallway bathroom. I knew that Scary Mary was damaging the children she taught. I also knew that our director was going to try everything in her power to make Mary work out before she would even consider firing her. Firing an employee makes tongues wag; parents talk to each other, and it can make the school look unstable to have turnover. In addition, finding a reliable teacher with enough early childhood development units to teach a class, one who would work the hours needed and who interviewed even fairly well, was very difficult.

At the next preschool I taught at, I observed the director, over a period of a month, interview candidates for the position of the 2-year-old class. This preschool was full of mostly upper-middle-class families, with both parents working high-stress jobs. Most of the interviews took place during working hours, and often the director would walk the possible teacher through the classes, showing her (usually a woman) the classes, introducing the rest of us teachers. One prospective teacher looked at a baby I was holding and joked that he was an “ugly little thing,” and shared how sad it was that not all babies are cute or lovable. “I don’t really like babies anyway,” she said. “Hopefully I’ll get the 4-year-olds.”

I heard many upsetting comments like this from prospective and working teachers. Many teachers feel that other teachers are confidants: They tell us things that would never get said to the parents or the director. After a month, the director finally hired someone. She eventually fired her, after parents repeatedly complained about the chaos and lack of learning in her class. She spent a lot of time texting while the children did worksheets.

The Census Bureau states that 4.8 million children attend organized preschool or day care yearly. The degree to which child care facilities are regulated, and the quality of the care, varies wildly around the United States. It’s impossible to give an authoritative assumption on whether my experiences over 15 years of teaching preschoolers are average. I do know that many other preschool teachers I have spoken to have shared in many of my observations. Steven Barnett, the director of the National Institute for Early Education Research, said in an interview with the Atlantic , “Access to real quality is pretty darn low.”

Barnett went on to say that the odds of a parent without a high school diploma getting her preschooler into a high-quality program is one in 10.

Preschools have tight budgets, and kids don’t always get the one-on-one attention they need

Preschools don’t make very much money. Preschool teachers make even less. The Bureau of Labor Services notes that preschool teachers make an average of $21,490 a year. Directors of preschools can make a livable wage, but their job is extremely taxing. Every preschool director I knew worked more than 40 hours a week, put in hours a week talking with angry or frustrated parents, filled in for absent teachers, planned the holiday programs, balanced the budget, hired and fired employees when necessary, and very often was called to help manage a particularly unruly child. I myself worked 40 hours a week, and even with my husband's additional full-time income we barely squeaked by.

Every preschool I taught at worked under a very tight budget. This meant that when extra help was needed, it could rarely be afforded. Every person working for the school was expected to move into whatever role was needed to make the preschool ratios work. Every state has a law about how many children of a certain age can be in the care of one adult. The ratios for preschools in San Diego are one teacher to 12 students — children 30 months and under have ratios of one teacher to six students.

When you have a child who is particularly difficult, whether repeatedly hitting, screaming, refusing to stay seated, or simply crying, homesick, or with separation anxiety, the teacher has to figure out how to work the class around that child. How do you do circle time with 10 2-year-olds as, day after day, one of the children walks around the room sobbing, clutching his blanket, and knocking on the door?

Child development, compassion, and basic sense tell you that a child like this needs one-on-one attention. The child needs an adult who can kindly and patiently work with her until either the phase has passed or a possible problem has been identified, such as ADD, autism, or severe separation anxiety.

In reality, the daily one-on-one care for a struggling child can rarely occur. Even if a teacher starts out the day holding the hand of a child, pulling the child into her lap during circle time, this can’t hold for the entire day. Teachers go on lunch breaks and 10-minute breaks; they have to set up for nap time; they have to set up and clean up art; they have to help other children too; and often, they have to deal with either diaper changes or potty time.

This is why the director is often called in to assist with a child. I worked for five different preschool directors, and each one of them was fairly good to very good at their jobs, but none of them were particularly great with children. Administrators were good with creating scholastic plans that best benefited each age range of children, good at organizing the minutiae of a school — the paperwork, the state laws to follow, the hiring, the schedule management — but exhibited the long-acknowledged difference between being brilliant in comprehension and brilliant in action. It is the fighter pilot in simulation and the fighter pilot thousands of feet in the air in free fall. It is one thing to learn about calmly helping a child having a tantrum and another to sit, the child's snot and desperation inches from your face, and do it.

Some administrators might be brilliant with their own children, or have been wonderful caregivers in the past, but the addition of the grind of administrative duties and pleasing teachers and parents seems to be the limit, the litmus point where the constant reservoir of patience and connection one needs to be a good preschool teacher runs dry.

One director would handle a relentlessly crying child by sitting her down on a stool and saying sternly, “You are going to stop this nonsense now.” The child would continue to cry (children don’t believe in stopping nonsense — they also don’t believe their emotions are nonsense), and the director would tap away on her computer. One little girl I remember in particular because she was absolutely unmoved by both the director’s stern voice and the hours in the office. She’d cry for so long she’d fall asleep, sitting straight up, mouth open.

Another director would hold the offending child by the hand and announce to anyone she came into contact with that the child was “deciding to be a terrible listener today, making their teacher very unhappy, and so they have to walk around with me instead of playing with toys.” The shame on the child’s face was depressing as hell. I would give an encouraging smile to the child and tell them they could do a better job, and it was okay to be sad but not okay to throw toys, and the director would shoot me an annoyed look for not following script.

Young children don’t always know how to tell their parents something is wrong

What I knew about these and other practices was this: None of this was discussed with the parents, and certainly not in any kind of realistic detail. And none of the children were old enough to think to say, “Mom, Dad, is it okay that I spend two hours a day sitting on a stool and crying?”

Whatever happens to children at this age, I observed time and time again that they accept it. It is not that they like it — they can (and do) scream and cry and mope and mutter — but that they do not have anything else to compare life to. During these years, they have this: home and school. Sometimes a child particularly unhappy at school will make it well known that they don’t want to go to school, because the other option they know is home. They don’t typically recall or express details, such as “I don’t like the way my teacher grabs my arms hard,” or “I don’t like when the teacher says I’m a bad boy.” Some children do, and they are wonderful advocates for themselves. The rest depend on the persistent inquiries and attention of those who love them best.

I took my parenting cues from this experience to heart: Anytime during my children’s preschool years that they expressed unhappiness with school, I always dug deep. I asked many questions on walks, during drawing, during cuddle time at bed, and I listened well. I once had to have a “come to Jesus” moment with the director of a preschool for my own child. My son was in the care of an assistant teacher who had taken an instant dislike to him: It happens. However, her bad behavior didn’t “just happen” — she was allowing herself to act on emotion, and my son had been able to express that he was unhappy at school. After a week of talking to him, he was finally able to tell me that this teacher was in the habit of yanking him out of line, hard, and giving him a little shake, to tell him to stop whispering to his friends.

The director listened, and promised that teacher wouldn’t be in charge of my son anymore. She was not in the same room with him again. I did a few unexpected drop-ins here and there over the next month, and all was well.

The unexpected drop-in is probably a preschool parent’s most potent tool for information on what is happening during their child’s day. Some schools don’t allow this; I would not leave my child at those schools.

Unexpected drop-ins are tremendously underused. The observations made during one can change your child’s preschool experience. One foster mother dropped in on her son and found that his teacher, in the room next to mine, had left him standing in the bathroom with no underwear on, alone, as punishment for pooping in his pants. The mother filed a written complaint and pulled him out of the school. I was grateful, because it had been obvious to me that this teacher had taken a great dislike to this little person, but there wasn’t anything concrete to point to until the mom dropped in.

If there are problems that you don’t know about, the drop-in might be the only way to spot them. Dropping in can reveal discipline measures you weren’t aware of, or a fear of your child’s you didn’t know he was carrying (the little toilets!), or her habit of barely eating lunch and then throwing the rest away.

It can be difficult to find time for a drop-in. I struggled with it, as I worked and attended school and my husband worked full time as well. I found a couple of ways around this: I used my rare day off work, when my child still attended preschool, to drop in; I had both my husband and my mother take a turn to unexpectedly drop in for an early pickup; I made acquaintance with other parents in my child's class and asked them if they could let me know how my son was doing when they picked up their child — a virtual drop-in.

Another construct to connect parents to their children in preschool or day care is the webcam, installed directly into classrooms. Some child care centers offer this device, which has mixed reactions. Some parents love the cameras for the connection it gives them with their child and the feeling of security that comes from knowing there is a “watchful eye” on their child’s classroom situation. However, bathrooms and changing tables are almost always off limits to the camera, as sometimes are outside play areas. In addition, there are privacy and security concerns about the ability of hackers, as well as less devious situations, such as a parent who logs in at a library and leaves before logging out. Plus, these cameras do not include sound, so the context of what a parent is viewing can be lost.

The power of a parent’s unexpected drop-in

All I saw and heard over the 15 years I taught preschool impressed on me deeply that an involved parent is enormously powerful. Some parents fear that being too involved will make the teachers treat their child less kindly out of annoyance, but the opposite is true. The directors and teachers need the parents to be happy. They need the children to stay enrolled at the school.

Parents who make it politely clear that they are listening and watching closely as a caring parent, and then who actually do so, can be guaranteed that all those looking after their child will be — consciously or not — more attentive to the experience of that child.

I was able to care for my son, and then a daughter, and then another daughter, in their little years because I was a preschool teacher. Being a mother made me a better preschool teacher, and being a preschool teacher made me a better mother. My teen daughter knows: I still believe in the power of an unexpected drop-in.

Maggie May Ethridge is the author of Atmospheric Disturbances: Scenes From a Marriage (Shebooks, 2015) Her work appears in Rolling Stone, t he Guardian, Guernica, t he Week, Cosmop o litan , and more. Her novel, Agitate My Heart , is in edits.

First Person is Vox's home for compelling, provocative narrative essays. Do you have a story to share? Read our submission guidelines , and pitch us at [email protected] .

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School for Thought: Why Study Early Childhood Education?

Early childhood education is one of the most important and impactful careers you can pursue. And if you ask any early childhood educator, they’ll likely tell you how much they love what they do.

Right now, you might have a passion for working with children, and a love for all the wonder they carry. Still, you may be wondering if teaching, or early childhood education in general, is the right career path for you. As you consider your future (and your college degree), “why” is always a critical question to ask.

For some, the love of children and knowledge-sharing is reason enough to pursue an early childhood education degree . However, if you are still asking yourself “why,” keep reading. Below Goodwin outlines some of the top reasons to study early childhood education today.

• It is a very rewarding field, where you can truly make a difference.

Perhaps the top reason people choose to pursue early childhood education is the personal reward and satisfaction that it brings. Early childhood educators have the very real opportunity to make a difference in young lives, and also influence future generations. They get to ensure that children get off a good start in their lives and in their learning. They get to teach students things that they’ll carry for life. They get to help children explore and succeed, and witness incredible achievements like, “I did it!” in the end.

Children want to learn anything and everything. They want to be able to do things themselves—a big part of growing up. Early childhood educators get to watch these children grow, and help them realize their potential along the way.

As we talked about in a previous article , the younger years are some of the most critical in a child’s life – In fact, the most rapid period of brain development is from birth to age 8. Early childhood educators have the very important job of working with children during this rapid developmental phase. The impression and the impact that early educators have on children during these years is unparalleled.

• Early childhood education is a very hands-on and creative career path.

When you walk into an early childhood classroom, whether it’s a Head Start program or a Reggio Emilia preschool setting, you can usually expect to see a room blossoming with creativity and inspiration: there is color, there is art displayed on the walls, there are materials that can help students create and visualize their learning. Not everyone can say they work in a place like this.

And as an early childhood educator, you can expect to be fully involved in the creative happenings throughout the classroom. In fact, you might be the one creating that curriculum as part of your role. On top of that, you might find yourself creating materials for a lesson, making bulletin boards for parents, or planning decorations for the classroom. In the classroom, you might find yourself building blocks, counting jellybeans, playing with nature, and/or painting with children. Early childhood educators have the benefit of working right alongside children in a very stimulating environment, which they’ll often say helps to “bring out their inner child.”

• The career outlook is bright for early childhood educators.

There is always – and will always be – a need for education. If you are looking for an in-demand career, with opportunities now and in the future, early childhood education is a very viable option. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, early childhood educators and workers can expect a bright job outlook:

• Preschool teachers can expect 10% growth in employment nationwide (faster than the average for all other occupations)
• Kindergarten teachers can expect an 8% rise in job opportunities nationwide by 2026
• Over 84,000 jobs will become available nationwide for childcare workers
• Preschool and childcare center directors can expect employment to grow 11% over the next several years

Job security, and the opportunity for advancement over the years, is a key reason why someone will pursue a certain career path. For early childhood educators, the need, the security, and the room for growth are all there already, and will continue to be there for many years to come.

• There are an array of job options within the field.

Not only is the field of early childhood education constantly growing and expanding, it also provides an array of opportunities for those just starting out. When you choose to study early childhood education, that does not mean you are choosing a single career like a preschool or daycare teacher. Rather, the field stretches far beyond that. Within early childhood ed, you can pursue careers such as:

• School readiness teacher (or assistant teacher)
• Family resource worker
• Infant, toddler, or preschool teacher
• Paraprofessional
• Child specialist with the DCF
• Curriculum coordinator for young children
• Early childhood director

There are many reasons to become an early childhood educator today, and these four just scratch the surface. If you have a passion for working with children, if teaching is your calling, or if you simply wish to find a secure career that you love, early childhood education might just be the answer. Now you just need to take the steps to get there.

To become an early childhood educator today, you must have a postsecondary degree in a related field. Some careers require a bachelor’s degree in child study or ECE, while others require an associate degree in early childhood education. You can learn more about the career requirements here . In terms of skills, there certain qualities a great childhood educator will have – patience, understanding, humor, good communication, and creativity are just some of the few. Do you have what it takes?

Learn more about studying early childhood education in Connecticut by contacting Goodwin College at 800-889-3282. You may also visit us online to request more information.

Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.

•   Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Future Educators

Helping America's Future Teachers

I Want to Become a Teacher Because | My Dream Job Essay

My dream is to become a teacher . If you have this dream, you’re not alone. Here’s a collection of short essays by aspiring teachers. Current and future education students were asked to describe their motivation; what inspires them to succeed at their teacher training studies.

In these 31 student essays, future educators answer the question “I want to become a teacher because …” or “I want to become a teacher to …”. The short student essays are grouped thematically, forming the top reasons to become a teacher.

1. Giving Brings Its Own Rewards

Helping people is the unifying theme as to why students are inspired and motivated to become teachers. Education is a field where you can help young people directly in a personal way; potentially changing their lives for the better. Teaching is more than just a job.

For a significant percentage of education students, the opportunity to be of service provides plenty of motivation to pursue a teaching career. In each Why I Want to Become a Teacher essay here, a future educator explains why teaching is an opportunity to do something meaningful and beneficial.

by Hanna Halliar

If I can make an impact in just one child’s life, I will be able to consider myself successful. That is my motivation. As a future educator, what else would it be?

Every day that is spent in class, the late nights at the library, the endless hours of studying are all just steps getting me closer to the goal. When I am still up at 1 a.m. struggling to keep my eyes open, but only half way through my 6 page paper I remember how excited I am to work with my own students one day.

To me, being a teacher is so much more than the typical response most people have towards education majors. “Oh, you’re going to be a teacher. You know how much you will make?” Yes, I’m aware that I will be making an average of $50,000 a year in Indiana.

To me being a teacher means that I get the opportunity to not only teach my students math, English, and science but to teach life lessons that will stick with them as well.  It means walking into school every day being the reason my students look forward to coming to school. It means being surrounded by crafts, books, and music and not being stuck in an office. It means educating our future generation. And if somebody has to do it, it should be somebody who is passionate about it.

So what motivates me to study? It is so simple, it is the kids.

by Savannah Stamates

I lay awake at night and practice my first morning message to my first round of students whom I will not meet for more than a year.

I wonder if I will have hungry children, happy children, or broken children. I wonder if I will be good enough or strong enough to reach those most in need.  I wonder if my students will trust me enough to tell me that they are hungry, happy, or scared.

I worry that I will not be strong enough to share their burden or provide a place for peace and learning. I worry that I will misread their actions or their words or miss them reaching out.

So I study, even when I am tired from working two jobs or sick of not being where I want to be. When my time comes to walk into that classroom, my worries and doubts will be silenced by the knowledge I have mastered and the dream I have finally achieved.

by Charity Latchman

Dreams for the future are subjective. They can be based on what we desire. But visionary dreams are not only for us. Imagine asking some of the greatest revolutionaries and pioneers about their dreams. They generally had others in mind. In the famous “I have a Dream” speech, Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr said “we” more than thirty times. Dreams are not for our benefit alone, but to encourage, inspire and benefit others.

Recently I graduated from California Baptist University with a degree in English literature. During my studies, I was cared for my disabled mother. She was a religious studies professor who inculcated me with a diligent and steadfast approach to schoolwork. Managing the role of caregiver with university studies was challenging. But the goal to become a teacher kept me going. Approaching graduation, my mother was diagnosed with throat cancer. She didn’t worry about herself as much as you might expect but kept pushing me to finish the final paper in the program.

With her encouragement, my faith, and a burning desire to teach English literature, I graduated. My motivation comes from wanting to help, to encourage, and to inspire others.  Teaching is an act of giving that has its own rewards.  Life’s trials bring ups and downs. But we must always strive to attain our dreams, especially when others are central to them.

by Katheryn England

As a high school senior, many people assume I’m prepared for college and know what I want to study after graduation. These assumptions cause me to experience moments of self-doubt. Then I re-evaluate what I want for myself, and what it is that keeps me working towards my dreams. Through the goals I’ve set for myself, I can maintain focus, move past my self-doubt and succeed. By focusing on my goals, I can make a difference in the world directly around me.

A goal I have in my life is to be an elementary teacher, also known as an early childhood teacher. As a teacher,  I can share the knowledge I’ve gained to leave behind a better future for our world .

Last year, I had the opportunity to work alongside a previous elementary teacher and mentor of mine. I’d visit her classroom daily, and taught lessons alongside her or independently. Uniquely, they were the opening act in my high school’s original winter play. They read first-hand from our scripts and learned what happens behind the scenes. Showing a new part of the world to the youth of my community has motivated me to pursue my dreams.

Remembering this experience and the positive influence I had on those students helps me overcome self-doubt and stay focused on my goals. Thanks to the goals I’ve set for my life, I not only can find purpose for my efforts, but find the will to be confident in whatever choices I make.

by Emma Lillard-Geiser

I have always known that I would become two things: a mother and a teacher. What I didn’t know is that I would become the mother before the teacher. Having a child that depends on me is what fuels my desire to succeed in life. When I get frustrated with my studies I take a deep breath, look at my daughter, and know that I have reason to persevere. I know that one hour of studying will give me hours with my daughter as soon as I am done.

My mother is a teacher and growing up I cherished learning from her. She had knowledge that I admired and I quickly realized that I had to spend my whole life learning. I love to learn, to have that light go off in my head when it all just clicks.

I cannot wait to see that light in the eyes of my daughter and my future students.  For every thing that I learn, is another thing I can teach someone else.  It isn’t easy to study when you have a small child to take care of but I know that my education will provide me with the ability to take care of her for the rest of our lives.

2. Help Disadvantaged Students

Students are disadvantaged for many reasons, whether it’s because of a handicap, where they live, economic disadvantage or a language barrier.

Future educators may want to become teachers so they can make a difference in the lives of students who face extra learning challenges. This special interest often comes from the future teacher’s own experience, either personally or involving people they’ve known.

by Ian T Thomason

While attending the University of Minnesota-Mankato, I have aspirations of becoming a Special Education Teacher. Becoming a Special Education Teacher and helping students who have a need for extra help and students who are having troubles with everyday life are things that I dream of doing.  I was in their shoes once and know how difficult it is to deal with everyday life and how nice it was have a teacher to talk to.

Becoming a Special Education Teacher is my ultimate goal and, when difficult times arise, I have to remind myself of the children out there who have it potentially worse than I. When I remember this, I also think back to all of the support that I had from my parents, family members, and teachers. I also know that there are lots of children who don’t have this type of support and, if I can be there for them, that would make my career choice all the more worth it.

My Special Education degree is something more than just a degree for me. It is a degree that allows me to help children improve their education. I realize that children are our future and that their minds are terrible things to waste. So, instead of wasting their minds, why not put our best foot forward to educate them? My dream is to help kids realize their full potential, promote education and a brighter future for every child.

by Katherine

Motivation allows you to persist through difficult circumstances. Mine comes from a desire to grow into an instructor who is able to make a difference to many children’s lives.

In elementary school, I actually was a special education student. I’ve had to work hard most days of my life to achieve anything. I could not have succeeded without the support of some absolutely amazing teachers. Now I desire to take on that supporting role for as many students as I can reach.

When a class or an assignment I don’t want to do come up, I think of what motivates me. And the motivation is children. Many students feel powerless about their education, just like I did.  I could be a teacher who turns their education around, providing vital support and motivation to succeed at their studies.  Ultimately, everyone motivates themselves by one way or another. My motivation comes from the pure desire to help future students.

by Robbie Watson

My road to graduate school has been a long one. I studied religion and culture in undergrad, interested in the material, yet not sure how I would apply it later. Yet I found places, got involved in community and international development, engaged with different cultures, and now feel I use my degree every day.

For over two years I worked alongside Congolese refugees in Rwanda, developing educational opportunities for youths who could not finish secondary school in the underfunded camps. It is these refugees, young and old, the students, the teachers, their passion and vision for a better future that has driven me to seek out more education for myself. I remember how they would pay from their families’ meager funds to attend classes led by volunteer teachers. When finances were against them, or time, or family obligations, or the dire depression of the camp life itself, or even government officials were against them, still those students attended, still those teachers taught.

It is their example of perseverance towards a goal against all odds that inspires me now. I think of them often, think of the friends they were, are still. And I think of how that passion is in me now, to better understand education so that I might better educate, and thus equip such downtrodden communities to work for transformation themselves. I work not only for myself, and am motivated by the potential in those students and educators, which is also in me, and in others like them.

by Natalie Pelayo

I’m a young Latino woman working towards the goal of earning a bachelor degree in bilingual education. On occasions, I feel a slowing in my motivation. But, every time it happens, I think about the goal and that pushes me to move forward.

Looking back to a middle school class I attended, there was a boy who never really participated. He sat in his hoodie, looking down to his desk. Only after trying to talk with him, I discovered he spoke with broken English and a thick Spanish accent. It seemed as if no-one in our class actually knew that he struggled to understand what was being taught because it was presented in English.

By his manner, it was apparent that he had already accepted a dismal fate. Past teachers may have been unable to communicate with him. Eventually, he’d become demoralized.  Thinking about the disadvantages he had to endure provides ongoing motivation to study hard.

I aim to become a bilingual elementary school teacher to support young Spanish-speaking children. As a teacher, I’ll be able to show them that they can succeed. Children need not grow up thinking they’re incapable of learning due to a language barrier. I’ll keep working towards my goal to help ensure teaching is inclusive of all children, no matter their first language.

by Abigail Young

I am an American citizen, but my whole life I have lived in Cameroon, Africa. I have been blessed with an enormous amount of opportunities and a great education at a private international school.

Every day I have seen children and teenagers around me who do not get the same education or have the same possibilities of a “bright” future. I see schools that are forced to have three children share a small table, paper, and pens. I have seen a badly lit room with poor roofs and walls made from bricks. Even in my school there are numerous Cameroonians, my friends, and classmates that do not have the same chances at a higher level education, although they work just as hard.

When I study, I study hard because I do not want to let this chance and opportunity go to waste. I study because I have been undeservedly blessed to be able to go the United States for a high education with better chances at getting scholarship money. I study my hardest because  it is my dream that I may come back and make a difference in countries like Africa with poor education systems . It should be a right for children to be able to learn like I have. Therefore, because of this mindset, I am driven to study not just out of thankfulness for my circumstances, but also in hope that I may be able to give other children a better chance, and a greater reason to study.

3. Helping Many People Is Achievable in Teaching

A powerful source of motivation for some education students is the potential to touch and positively impact the lives of many people. Education is a field of consequence and that’s a good reason for wanting to join the teaching profession.

Over the course of a long career, a classroom teacher may help shape the learning experience of hundreds or even thousands of students. In policy roles, educators can affect millions of people.

by Rachel Bayly

Through high school I worked as a teacher at a daycare. When I left for college I said goodbye to a lot of people, including my students. All summer I had woken up at five in the morning to go to work and wait for them to arrive and put a smile on my face. Those kids motivated me to keep waking up and working hard, and leaving them was not easy.

The thing that made that goodbye worth it, the reason that I keep pushing through this tying chapter of my life is that  I am determined to improve early childhood education in the United States .

I want to be a positive force in the lives of as many children as I possibly can, and I plan on doing that by improving standards and policies for early childhood education and making it more affordable.

Every week I write in my planner, “I will make a difference” and one way that I will change the lives of children and families. On days that I find myself asking, “why am I here?” “why am I going into debt, paying to be stressed out all the time?” I think of my students. I read my “I will make a difference” statements.

I remember that some children out there are stuck in low quality child care centers, they will never reach their full potential, and they need help. I keep working hard everyday so that I can help those children.

by Megan Burns

My ultimate goal is to change the lives of people. Studying to be a teacher is hard. All of the classes that are required, all of the practicums, and all of the time spent just to become a teacher is stressful, but the thought of being able to help just one person changes everything.

It takes one person to be a light in someone’s life. It take one person to be a helping hand. It takes one person to change an unmotivated, broken life, and make it brand new. Qualified teachers are those people.  We motivate students to do their best, we guide students to success when no one else will, and we are always available to listen.  One teacher can change the lives of thousands of students. That is my motivation.

I know that after college, I will be a teacher, a guider, a counselor, and a friend to so many students. No matter how many bad days I have or how many times I want to quit, I just think of what is to come in the future. I can be that change this world needs, even if its in a small high school classroom. It just takes one person.

by Victoria Shoemkaer

My dream is to make a difference in the life of children.

• To make them excited about learning.
• To make it fun the way it used to be when they were younger.
• To show them that someone cares about them and wants to see them succeed.
• To show that they are much more that a test score or a number.
• To believe in them so much, that I do not let them get discouraged from chasing their dreams.
• To showing them that everyone fails and it’s your recovery that determines what happens next.
• To sacrifice myself to gives them more opportunities for success.
• To encourage students to succeed in and out of the classroom for the betterment of themselves and the community.
• To inspire them to change the world, because they can.
• To help them transform into caring and compassionate adults who are ready to conquer the word, but remember where they came from.
• To teach them to do good in the world because anyone can accomplish doing well.

Most importantly, my dream is to make children feel like their voice is important and valued and that they are loved more than they know.

4. Lives Can Be Improved by Dedicated Instructors

Teaching a subject such as Math or English is the everyday task of a teacher. But our prospective teachers see a greater purpose in their training and career path.

The daily motivation to teach doesn’t come from the superficial advantages of a teaching career, such as great job security or extra vacation time. Here are stories by future educators who want to go beyond the curriculum and improve people’s lives all round.

by Savannah Luree Weverka

Teachers are the ones who ignited my love for learning and there is not a day that goes by when I do not challenge myself to a personal goal of lifelong learning.

My mother is a teacher, so I was a student educated in an institution filled with support and a home that also supported education. I recall many teacher “get-togethers” and Husker parties where an informal invitation led to my presence.

Due to all of this support and interaction received throughout my elementary and high school career, Elementary Education continues to be at the top of my career choices. And now, as a senior looking forward to graduating from high school,  teachers remain my role models .

In considering a focus in Elementary Education, I now realize that many teachers not only teach children eight hours of the day, but become doctors for scraped knees, dictionaries for challenging words, mediators between students, and parents away from home.

Now, as I am taking the steps to make my dream come true I hope to make school an escape to free their minds and expand their knowledge. I want to share my love of learning with my students.

by Aaron Banta

Since I was younger, I have had the dream of becoming a history teacher at the high school level. The reason I am striving for this career is thanks to a teacher I had.  They held such a passion for history and taught it so well that it made me want to keep learning everything I could about it.

In college, I have had to work multiple jobs and attend school full-time. I would wake up early in the morning and not get home until late at night. The one thing that kept me on top of my studying and work was the dream I have; to be able to teach history and express my love for it by teaching the next generation. I strive to impact their lives for the better just like mine was.

Being able to pass my courses and get a degree and teaching credentials is the first main goal I am striving for. But being able to have a positive impact on students I have will be an even greater goal that I want to accomplish. I am hoping to guide them through their study of my favorite subject so I can teach them about the world and help them just like my teacher had helped me.

by Chelsea Rogers

At USC Upstate, I am studying to be a Secondary Education Mathematics teacher. The math courses are not easy and the education courses pushes you to challenge yourself. The thought of being a future teacher is what motivates me to keep pushing.

Although I do not know any of my students, they are precious to me and I believe it is my job to change their lives for the better.  Teaching math is my job, but looking beyond my content and into the wellbeing of my students is my passion.

The question I always ask myself is how can I teach students who may not trust me? I have to establish a connection with each student so that they will see I care about them academically, physically, and emotionally. Once students see that you care about them in these areas, it becomes easier to teach them and they are willing to perform to the best of their ability because they know their teacher supports them 100 percent. Being a great teacher is what motivates me to continue striving for my degree.

by Micayla Watroba

One plus one is two. Phone is pronounced with an F sound. 60 divided by 15 is 4. An essay typically has five paragraphs. I know all these things because I went to school. I also had teachers that helped me understand it even when I didn’t get the same opportunities as everyone else.

See, when I was in first grade I was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia. This made school very hard. I was either out of school so often that I missed entire chapters or I was bullied so badly that I couldn’t focus because I was so scared. Having cancer also made it hard for my mom and dad to pay for food and rent much less after school activities and tutoring. I grew up knowing that there were some things that were just not in reach for us. 

For as bad as I had it, I can’t imagine having to live on the streets, going hungry, or even being taught in a language I don’t know.

My dream is to be the teacher that makes sure that every student gets an education that helps them succeed.  I want to make sure that my students not only enjoy being at school but feel safe while there.  My students will know that it doesn’t matter where they came from or what background they came from. I am going to be there and I will not leave them behind. This is my dream.

5. Promote Lifelong Learning in Young People

What inspires some people to become teachers is the power to set young people on the right education path. Helping children to have good early experiences and embrace the learning process can profoundly enhance someone’s life. The potential for transformative early development applies to handicapped and disadvantaged kids as much as anyone.

by Lesley Martinez-Silva

I aspire to make a difference in others’ lives through education. I’m studying to be an elementary school teacher because I believe that children can achieve so much more if they learn early of their potential.

Education has always been my priority. My parents always stressed the importance of obtaining an education, having missed that opportunity themselves. My parents taught me as a child that schooling was vital to success in life. Truly, that lesson has been the most important in my path to college. I don’t think I would’ve made it this far had I not taken my education seriously.

I want to teach others about the importance of education so they too can prosper.  Everything I’m learning at university is important for my future career and, if I don’t study it, I’m failing my future students. Every child deserves the best education available and I should strive to be the best educator possible to provide that for them. When balancing academics, work, and my social life, it can get challenging to keep going. But, with the future of children’s education in my hands, I always get back on track.

by Brianna Rivers

One of my goals is to become a teacher and work in an public elementary school within the greater Boston area (possibly my own elementary school). I want to be a teacher because I enjoy working with children and I know how important teachers are in children’s lives. I plan on receiving my Bachelor’s degree for Early Childhood Education and my Master’s degree in Special Education.

I want to major in Early Childhood Education because  early education is significant for children and is a building block for their future in learning . I also want to major in Special Education because I believe all children should receive equal learning opportunities as well as equal treatment (meaning an inclusive environment, etc).

I think all of my experiences have a positive impact on myself because I am learning more about what it takes to be a teacher and what it takes to be a good teacher. My experiences also have a positive impact on the children and adults I work with. I offer a helping hand to the teachers and a friendly face to the children.

I plan to continue to work hard and take advantage of learning opportunities to achieve both of my goals. Being a teacher is my desire and I will stop at nothing to be a great teacher one day.

by Jennamarie Moody

When I close my eyes, I picture myself in a school located in an urban setting, teaching a classroom of diverse yet alike students. These students are in the second grade, meaning that they are impressionable yet vulnerable to their environment whether this means at home, at school, or in their greater community.

Some of these students don’t speak English as their first language, and some come from low-income households that can limit their educational experiences outside of the classroom. And yet, no matter what differences these students bring to the table, their uniqueness flows throughout the classroom in such a positive energy that embraces, respects, and promotes learning. This is the goal I am working towards; the goal  to inspire our youth to become self-advocates for their learning .

Opportunities for equal educational experiences may not exist, however the beauty lies in the growth of love young students can develop as they are challenged in the classroom to question their surroundings. I plan to make a difference in the lives of the children I meet along the way, and to create a safe learning environment.

Although the tests for certification and studies can be difficult, my passion for education and dedication to shaping the lives of my students is what keeps me going. The end goal is to nurture the development of my students to become active and engaged participants in society, and that is what I intend to do completely.

by Julie Anderson

My long-time goal has been to become a teacher, and this year I’m in a class called Teachers for Tomorrow, where I get to shadow a kindergarten teacher. Working with her and the students has increased my interest in children with special needs.

From here on out, I want to support my students in academics and other parts of their lives so I can help them learn, grow, and succeed. I know that children need a strong start to their school career because the first few years of school are crucial; this is when students begin to love or hate learning itself. Whether or not children enjoy school, they deserve to appreciate learning. Students who love learning will always want to improve themselves.

I will make an effort to provide a loving environment where each child can prosper. However, for students with special needs, this task becomes even harder to accomplish because traditional classrooms are usually set up for non-disabled students.  While I know I can’t “save” every student I teach, and some of them will still hate learning, at least I can start them off right.

When I’m swamped with schoolwork, I will imagine my future students and how I could influence their lives. Even though not all of my college classes will relate to my major, forming a habit of working hard in college will help me to succeed as a future teacher.

6. Teachers Are Excellent Role Models

The experience of being helped and transformed by a good teacher leaves a lasting impression. Teaching is considered a noble profession for good reasons.

Some education students are motivated to become a teacher to emulate their own role models. They want to provide the same kind of service they once received. An added reason for pursuing a teaching career is to be a role model to younger people outside the classroom, including one’s own children.

by Teresa Pillifant

My first day – well, more like first semester- of my freshman year in high school was the hardest semester of my whole school career. Usually the kind of student who loves school, I found myself getting stomach aches in the morning and dreading school with my whole being. I was new to the school, and the number of students was overwhelming.

It seemed like there was no relief, except for my first hour Spanish class. Having no friends, I would always arrive at my first hour class early. As this pattern continued, my Spanish teacher and I developed a relationship. My teacher started giving me books to read, asking my opinion on what we should do in class and just talked to me in general about life. Through my teacher’s support, I grew to find my place in the school and became more confident.

Her kind words and actions inspired me to become a teacher myself.  Now, whenever school or life gets difficult, I think of my freshmen year Spanish teacher and how she inspired me. I want to do what she did for me for my future students. Whether it be a difficult test or a challenging class, my goal of making a difference in a student’s life keeps me going.

by Mo Cabiles

The world we live in is hard, unsteady and ruthless. We see this everyday in the harshness of homelessness, to social media screaming for justice. What motivates me to continue on is that I have felt the bitter cold bite of homelessness. I know what it’s like to not have enough to eat and to be scared of what will happen next.

I am fortunate to no longer be in those situations but that, by no means, is an indicator that it will all now come easy. As an adult learner and your “non-traditional” student, there are other obstacles I must overcome. From transportation to childcare or education application mastery to APA formatting, the many roadblocks I tackle both large and small are what I consider to be my victories.

I’ve seen what having a higher education can do for someone and I want that for myself and that of my daughters.  I strive to be a good example for them , to show them that, regardless of social standing and unforeseeable circumstances, if they work hard and put their best effort forward, they can achieve their dreams.

My dream is to obtain my Masters in Education with an emphasis in counseling. I want to be an academic advisor or guidance counselor. I’ve seen so many youths attempt community college and fail because they fell through the cracks. These students need to realize their potential and I want to help them achieve that and to be their cheerleader.

by Gia Sophia Sarris

In every school I’ve ever attended, experienced teachers were there to support and inspire me. I have looked up to these people ever since I was in elementary school, and they have had an immense and positive impact on my life and my view of the world.  My fondness for these people [educators] has led me to aspire to become a teacher.

I want to “pay it forward” and improve the lives of children and teenagers who grow up struggling as I did, or in any way for that matter. I want to make a difference in their lives and let them know that they are not alone with their problems.

This is what motivates me to study hard. Becoming a teacher, I believe, will help me fulfill my purpose in life, which I think is to create happiness and ease the burdens of others. I feel that children and teenagers need this especially, because they are struggling to understand the world and their place in it. I study hard for their sake.

by Jennifer Wolfert

From elementary school to my first year at college, I struggled to establish a dream for myself. Trying to figure out what career I wanted to pursue as successful adult always filled me with anxiety. I had spent multiple years in special education and left with a low academic self-esteem. So, after high school I attended Bucks County Community College in search for more time. Still I made no progress. Then I decided to change my outlook. I stopped asking “what do I want to do?” and started asking “who do I want to be?”. That’s when my dream took shape.

The educators that I met during my time at community college were my inspiration.  They are brilliant, hardworking people with a passion for their specialty that I had never seen before. Their belief in hard work was infectious. School began to fill me with excited anticipation and my grades improved. I started to believe that if I worked hard enough then I could be like them and inspire others like they had inspired me.

At the end of my second year attending community college, I accomplished a task that had previously racked me with fear. I applied to Temple University as a Secondary English Education major. I have now completed my second semester at Temple and earned my first 4.0 GPA. In time, I am confident that I will be able to accomplish my dream. I will become the passionate and inspiring educator that my younger self never had.

by Jenyfer Pegg

My entire life has been filled with discouragement. I grew up in a household where I was constantly told “No”. I was told my ideas were stupid and would not work. In my junior year of high school, my teachers and counselors started talking about college and sending in applications to different places. At that point, I knew I was not going. I came from a poor family and I knew we could never have money for something like college.

But I went on college visits, I listened to people speak about their college, and I was set. I had a lot of things pushing me, except the one thing I really wanted, my family. No one in my family has gone to college, and when I told my mother, she was shocked. She told me she just wanted me out of the house.

When I came to school, I realized I wanted to teach high school. I want to make an actual difference in someone else’s life. My family has taken the same road for years, and I’m not going down that road. I won’t live paycheck to paycheck like my mom, I will be a person that others will look up to.

I’m going to do something worthwhile, and I will work harder than anyone else if it gets me there.  I’ve seen what my life will be like without school and motivation and there is absolutely no way I’m going down that road. I’ve got bigger plans.

7. Unlock the Success Potential of Students

Educators want to help students in every way they can but, for some future teachers, the focus is on helping students soar. That child in front of you in the classroom might grow up to do great things for society, raise a strong family, or just be happy and fulfilled.

Whatever the potential of a pupil, a teacher’s job is to help unlock talents and remove any barriers to future success.

by Tamara Vega

The thing that motivates me the most is the thought of having my own classroom someday. I want to be the teacher that changes a child’s life, inspires them to set high goals for themselves and encourages them to reach it.

College can be so hard at times and I get really anxious and scared. I worry about not passing my classes and exams, I worry about not getting my degree. Despite that I do not give up because I have to do this and I want to do this.

I cannot see myself doing anything else besides teaching, I have never been this passionate about something. I want to graduate and get my degree. I’d love to look at it and say, “I worked hard for this and I earned it”.

The idea that the students in my classroom could grow up to cure cancer, or become president, pretty much anything they want, brings me so much excitement.   I want to be the teacher that they remember, the one who helped them realize their dream and who gave them the knowledge needed to reach it.

Be the teacher that I needed as a child but unfortunately never had. That is what gets me through all the stress and anxiety, I know in my heart that all the studying I’m doing right now will be worth it in the end.

by Nicole Gongora

The dream of success motivates me to study – not my success, my future students’ success. I push myself through the rough spots for them.

I was a lost child in high school; I didn’t know how to apply to college, let alone afford it. No child should have to experience that. As a future educator, I am committed to helping my students succeed, achieve more, and continue onto higher education.  Every child should be given the opportunity to showcase their strengths and follow their dreams.

College was never a dream for me; it was a far off, unattainable fantasy. I met some inspiring teachers in high school who encouraged me to change my life and who helped me to thrive. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I plan to work at a low-income school similar to the one I attended. These types of schools are the ones who lack resources. I will serve as a resource to my students and I hope to be an inspiration to them. In turn, I hope they become kind, respectful adults. I want them to see the virtue in helping others and I hope they will serve others in their future careers. I want to be the teacher they remember. I want to be the teacher that helped them succeed.

I’ll feel successful as a teacher if my students are successful in attaining their goals. If one student decides to achieve more then I will have lived out my dream.

by Madison Sherrill

I’ve decided to become a teacher because I want to show the value of compassion and diversity.

As I begin college this upcoming fall, my main motivation is the students. While I haven’t even met them yet, they inspire me to persist in my classes and stay optimistic.  My classroom will support innovative thinking and celebrate each student’s individuality.

As a classroom teacher, I want to encourage and positively influence the next generation. They should know that they can be successful and achieve what they aspire to become while making the world better. By teaching the value of inclusiveness and the power of kindness, my students may turn out to be visionary thinkers and leading members of society.

by Alicia Costin

I am returning to school after taking a few years off. After graduating from California Lutheran University with my BS in Mathematics, I wanted to land a job with benefits and begin my “adult life”.

While it took me a few months to find my current job, is it just that; a job. I have benefits, a full-time schedule, weekends and holidays off, but am I happy? Is this what I want to do as a career for the rest of my life? I have asked myself this question a few times and the answer is always the same; no.

My dream is to become a teacher and help motivate and encourage students to do their best in their studies and in life.  It is my dream to do what I was meant to do; shape young minds and help future generations.

When things become difficult during my graduate program, I know to keep pushing, thriving, and studying hard so that, when I do become a teacher, I can use this as a positive story to shape their way of life. I landed a job outside of college, however now it is time for me to land my career.

Related Posts

Who taught the first teacher, what can i do with a master’s in education, why teaching is still a good career choice, how to become a homeschool teacher.

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Teacher interview questions answered: Why do you want to be a teacher?

Each of us has some values, ambitions, fears and worries . These things determine to a huge extend our career choice , though we should realize that the ambitions and fears are also determined by something–our upbringing, role models, things we experienced in our childhood. You can talk about all these things when the hiring committee inquires why you want to become a teacher , or when they ask you a similar question, for example “ What attracts you to teaching? “, or “ Why did you choose teaching as a profession? ” But what do they really want to hear from you?

First and foremost, they want to hear some enthusiasm in your voice . They want to feel that, regardless of the reasons why you opted for a teaching career, you are enthusiastic about your future, your teaching mission at their school. And they also want to hear a strong enough reason, something profound , since the strong motivation will help you get over difficult days in the classroom. And such days will undoubtedly come…

Let’s have a look at 7 sample answers to the question. The list contains some standard choices, but also a couple of strange and unconventional answers . Try to pick one that resonates with your values, and clearly explain the reasons why you want to be a teacher, and teach for many years to come.

7 sample answers to “Why do you want to be a teacher?” interview question

• I chose teaching as a professions because I love the impact one can have on individual children , especially here at elementary level. Of course it’s a great responsibility , but at the same time I cannot imagine devoting my life to something else, especially since I love being around children –which is likely the second reason why I want to be a teacher. In my view, teaching is more a mission than a job really, especially in the uncertain times we live nowadays. I cannot wait to start working as a teacher.
• I want to become a teacher because I believe to have the right skills, abilities, and attitude to become a good teacher. And I enjoy teaching, talking to children, listening to them , trying to understand their emotional world, and be a good role model for them. At the end of the day, we should do a job in which we see some meaningful purpose . I know that I could earn twice as much working in some big corporation analyzing some data or sitting at a computer programming another mobile application, the billionth on the app store…. But I just don’t see a point in such type of work. Teaching is a completely different story.
• I just want to share my vast knowledge of history and geography with the students. I’ve been doing research in these field for years, publishing papers, going to conferences. At this stage of my professional career, however, I feel that I should hand the ball to the younger generation . It is time to share my knowledge with them, and perhaps have them better understand certain phenomenons of the modern day . History is the best teacher in this case, if you can look at it without prejudice. The proposition of helping them to see these things is highly motivating to me.
• To be honest with you, my ultimate goal is to become a school principal , or even to establish a small private elementary school. But I am still young and inexperienced , and need to learn a lot from seasoned professionals. And I cannot see a better place than your school, which has an excellent reputation and renowned leadership. That’s why I want to work as a teacher here.
• My goal to pay back a big favor attracts me to teaching as a profession . When I was young I struggled to find my place in life. I was a sort of an outsider, always attracted to strange ways, spending times with other outcasts. Had my episode with drugs, skipping school, and everything. But one teacher saved me from a path that would eventually lead me to a lie on the street. They showed huge confidence in my abilities , and they treated me as an equal. Certain things they said to me, and their trust, motivated me to change my ways completely. I became an excellent student, managed to quit drugs and  lousy lifestyle, and eventually graduated from the university. Nothing of it would have happened, however, had I not met that one teacher… Now it is my time to help other struggling youngsters find their way. Or at least try my best to do so.
• To be honest, I am very concerned about the situation in the world. The inequality of people, the widening gap between the rich and poor, the conflicts we have all around. And I do not believe that some Messiah from heaven will come and save us . We people are responsible, and education is the most powerful weapon we have in our hands–if used correctly. I want to help educate children, especially in rural areas. Help them develop the right values, the sense of self-worth, and of course an ability to think critically and question the religious and political leaders . In this way I can play my small role in helping to make the world a better place. Maybe it is just a drop in the ocean. But even the biggest ocean consists of nothing but water drops…
• Teaching is a calling I’ve been following from a young age . I am not sure if I can explain it clearly, why teaching, why not social work, or healthcare. But sometimes you just hear this voice in your head, this calling in your soul, and you know that something is the right thing to do , or the right goal to follow. That’s how I have always felt about teaching, that’s the reason why I chose my school, and ultimately the reason why I sit in this interview with you right now.

Conclusion, other tough questions for your teaching job interview

Teaching is a mission, a calling. Sometimes a pleasure, and sometimes a cross you carry on your shoulders . As long as you know why you do it, however, why you are a teacher and not a manager, engineer, or doctor, you will always get over the difficult period, or over some bad words you may hear in the classroom, or even from fellow staff members.

Ensure the hiring committee that you have your reasons, that they are deeply rooted in your heart, and you won’t quit the profession after first few months. And remember that stories are the best interview answers . Narrating a story of a teacher helping you in your young age, doing something that eventually changed the course of your life, is a great idea. If you have such story, share it with your interviewers.

And if you want to simplify your interview preparation , check out my new eBook the Teacher Interview Guide , for brilliant answers to all 40 teacher interview questions (+ more). Thank you!

Other interview questions that may interest you :

• What are your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher?
• Teacher interview – Tell me about yourself .
• Where do you see yourself in five years as a teacher?
• Teacher interview – Tell us more about your teaching experience.
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• Interview Questions

Why do you want to be a Teacher? 13 Example Answers

• Posted by by Emily Adders
• February 4, 2023

Why do you want to be a teacher? This is one of the most commonly asked teacher interview questions out there, and it’s one of the trickiest ones to answer as well.

In theory, any aspiring teacher should be able to answer this question with relative ease, but from my experience, this isn’t always the case.

If you find it difficult to explain why you want to be a teacher , here are some key points you should emphasize in your interview:

• Your desire to help students succeed.
• Your enthusiasm and dedication to teaching.
• Your love of working with children.
• Your ability to inspire students.
• Your willingness to go the extra mile for your students.
• Your commitment to helping bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world experience.
• Your aspiration to become a role model for students.

Here are 13 example answers you can use as a basis to answer “why do you want to be a teacher?”. As always, try to add your own unique touch to whichever answer you like.

1. “I believe teaching is more than just imparting knowledge; it’s also about instilling values and inspiring enthusiasm for learning. I am devoted to the idea that all students should have access to quality education and I’m determined to help them reach their full potential. ”

2. “I want to be a teacher because I believe in the importance of education for creating a better society. Teaching provides me with an opportunity to shape young minds and inspire the next generation to become productive, successful citizens.”

3. “I’m a teacher because I love working with children and watching them grow. I find it incredibly rewarding to see a student’s face light up when they finally understand a concept or have success in an area where they were struggling.”

4. “I want to be a teacher because I believe that every child deserves to have access to quality education, regardless of their background or economic situation. Teaching provides me with an opportunity to make sure that all students are given the right tools and knowledge to achieve success in life.”

5. “I’ve always had a passion for teaching and I want to share my knowledge with others in order to help them reach their goals. I believe that education is the key to a successful future and I want to do my part in making sure every student has access to quality education.”

Related: 11 qualities of a good teacher.

6. “I am passionate about helping students learn and grow, both academically and personally. As a teacher, I have an opportunity to make an impact on young people during a critical time in their lives by teaching them important life skills and providing guidance that will help shape their future.”

7. “I love being around children and inspiring them to reach for the stars! I believe that a good teacher has the ability to motivate students, bring out new talents, and instil a lifelong passion for learning. This is what motivates me to pursue a career in teaching.”

8. “I believe that education is a right, not a privilege, and I want to do my part in creating equal access to quality education for all students. Being a teacher allows me to become an advocate for those who are underserved and underrepresented in our educational system.”

9. “I have always been interested in working with children and teaching felt like the perfect match for my skills and interests. I am excited by the prospect of helping children reach their full potential and guiding them in their pursuit of a successful future.”

10. “I believe that teachers play an important role in creating a better future through education, and I want to be part of that process. As a teacher, I have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of my students and help ensure that they have access to quality education.”

11. “I am motivated by the idea that teaching provides me with an opportunity to mould young minds and shape our society for the better. Teaching is about more than just imparting knowledge; it’s also about inspiring enthusiasm for learning and instilling values that can last a lifetime. ”

12. “I want to be a teacher because I believe in the power of education to make our world a better place. I am passionate about helping students learn and discover their potential, while also providing them with the encouragement they need to strive for success.”

13. “I have always been passionate about learning, and teaching helps me share this passion with others. I find great joy in being able to help my students understand difficult concepts and grow academically. Working as a teacher is an incredible privilege, and I am excited to work with students of all ages.”

Related: Why should we hire you as a teacher?

Wrapping up

Whether you are passionate about teaching, have always dreamed of being a teacher, or simply believe that it’s the best way for you to make a difference in the world, it’s important to express your motivations clearly and honestly.

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Why I Want to Be a Teacher Essay: Writing Guide [2024]

Some people know which profession to choose from childhood, while others decide much later in life. However, and whenever you come to it, you may have to elaborate on it in your personal statement or cover letter. This is widely known as “Why I Want to Be a Teacher” essay.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

The primary reasons to pursue this career are:

• Raising new generations and changing the world for the better are your goals.
• You have all the qualities and skills to become a teacher.
• Duties, responsibilities, and creativity that the profession involves fascinate you.
• Growing up, you had a fantastic teacher who became your role model.

If you’re having trouble coming up with arguments, you have come to the right place! Here, at Custom-Writing , we gathered all the essential tips to use in a “being a teacher” essays.

🎓 7 Reasons to Become a Teacher

🛑 7 reasons not to become a teacher.

• 📜 Paper Types

✍️ “Why I Want to Be a Teacher” Essay

📑 “why i want to be a teacher” personal statement, 🖨️ 50 teacher essay topics, 🤔 why i want to be a teacher faq, 🔗 references.

Why do you want to be a teacher? Being one seems manageable if it’s your dream job. At the same time, it’s the hardest profession that wouldn’t fit everyone. Check the following reasons to become a teacher that you can use in your paper.

Also, the following points are entirely appropriate for children. If they have a task like a “When I grow up, I want to become a teacher because…” essay, they will find this section useful.

🌱 Raising New Generations

Do you think that future generations require different teaching? Do you have an idea of a new proper approach? Whatever you believe, make sure to write about it:

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

• Elaborate on the problem:

Would you like to see a more environmentally-conscious generation? Or do you find that kids lack concentration and the will to succeed? Explain why you consider children and teens need guidance.

To support your argument, give statistics and real-life examples of the problems modern children and teens have. Provide the leading causes and solutions for this issue in your “Why I Want to Be a Teacher” essay.

• Talk about your reasoning:

How did you understand that the problem above exists? You have to write why you thought about it in the first place.

For example, siblings. Do you have a younger sibling? Or a nephew who often asks you to play with him or her? Then, in your “Why I Want to Be a Teacher” essay, you might mention that this child helped you choose a future career.

• Explain why you:

What makes you think you might be a good teacher? Does the child enjoy spending time with you? Did you manage to teach the child something useful? Make sure to discuss this in your essay.

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So, are you ready to write about raising new generations? Check this essay sample below to ensure your success:

🎨 Creativity in Teaching

In this kind of essay, you would shift the focus from yourself to the teacher’s profession in general. You’ll elaborate on why you find this profession a great creative outlet.

Talk about creativity that you’ll bring to the classroom. Use this reasoning to explain why this profession is one of a kind and appropriate for you in particular. Do you think that you might use your creative abilities to become an excellent teacher?

To underline your points:

Share several ideas on how to educate children using innovative approaches. Kids are naturally compelling storytellers because of their sincerity and imagination. Maybe, you’ll find a way to use it.

Get an originally-written paper according to your instructions!

🔍 Qualities of a Good Teacher

All the educator’s responsibilities require communication and writing skills. They have to acquire accountability, patience, creativity, etc.

You may be wondering: how can this topic help me explain why I want to become a teacher? The essay should compare the qualities of a good teacher with your own. Thus, you’ll show how good you are for the position.

• Do you believe that a good teacher should be kind? If positive, mention some example that proves your desire to help. For example, you might have volunteered at an animal shelter.
• Do you argue that a good teacher should be knowledgeable? Tell your readers about your good grades in college.

Still, wondering about how to write a good paper on an educator’s qualities? Check the useful teacher essay sample, written by a student:

🏫 Duties and Responsibilities

While this topic may sound similar to the previous ones, it’s all about how you present your arguments and structure your narrative. This topic offers you an opportunity to examine the day-to-day lives of teachers.

First of all , you can describe the duties and responsibilities of a teacher. Explore it, be it grading assignments, cooperating and communicating with parents, or continuously learning.

Secondly , you can focus on the aspects of teaching that you find rewarding. You can add in your essay writing the sadness that a teacher feels when his or her students graduate. Or talk about the joy they experience when they see students learning and improving their grades.

Whichever approach you choose, make sure it’s beneficial for you and reveals your strong sides.

👩‍🏫 My Best Teacher

This type of essay is similar to the previous ones. Here, you also describe the characteristics of an excellent teacher. There is, however, one key difference:

Rather than describing some abstract figures, you would describe a real-life teacher. Talk about the person who served as a role model and inspired you to pursue this career.

The premise of this essay is excellent:

First , you show an understanding of what the job of a teacher encompasses. Second , you also demonstrate your appreciation for someone who made a difference in your life.

“My best teacher” topic is an excellent opportunity to pay tribute to your teacher or a trainer who has significantly influenced your life.

🦉 Changing the World

How many times have you heard that teachers change the world? It might sound quite trivial, but they do. Educators have a significant impact on the new generation’s development and their effect on society. Their influence expands to every sphere of our life, from business to community, from ecology to economics.

Here are the four secrets of how teachers change the world:

• Sharing. A good educator shares their knowledge with others: students and colleagues. They bring their ideas and concepts to conferences, write blogs, and hold school meetings. Everyone benefits from this sharing. An educator gets feedback while their audience learns something new and motivating. Yes, it takes a lot of effort to set aside time for this, especially when you have a tight schedule. But it’s worth it. Think, would learning theories have ever existed if teachers didn’t share them?
• Caring. Educators not only care for their students, but in most cases, they actively participate in charity. Think about what impact it can have when students, parents, and teachers work together for something significant. It can be anything: from planting trees to fundraising for cancer. Such activities help students to gain valuable experience in helping others and saving our planet. In most cases, they will continue doing so even after graduation.
• Networking. In daily lives, teachers overcome various challenges. The networking and learning from other’s experiences allow the educator to see alternative points of view, motivate others, and find out new approaches to teaching.
• Reflection. Educators regularly analyze what works and what not at their lessons. Regular observations help them adjust the curriculum or change teaching methods. A critical approach to their work allows the educator to optimize and make their job more impactful.

Now you have all the arguments to consider in your essay about the teacher’s profession.

Teaching is not easy and not a profession you should choose unless ready to face all its challenges. And here’s the “shortlist” of them:

• Low salary. Yes. Educators from all over the world don’t get paid enough. On average, teachers’ weekly wages are 19.6% lower than those of other professions. So if you are not ready to live, hardly able to make ends meet, being a school educator is not your number one career choice.
• Teachers spend their salaries on students and school staff. Most teachers spend a part of their earnings on purchasing school tools and gear. In 2012-2013, K-12 educators spent 1.6 billion dollars on classroom supplies. That’s not fair. Are you ready to waste your hard-earned money this way? Moreover, you will have to transport all this stuff to class on your own.
• Teachers have to deal with all disturbing trends. Des-pa-si-to. Does this song make you roll up your eyes? And what about the whole class with fidget spinners? How about that these things repeat day by day for a couple of months? Think if you can deal with your irritation and anger. If negative, consider another profession.
• Teachers don’t have weekends and vacations. You may be wondering why. And here’s the answer: they write lesson plans, check countless essays and projects, etc. Yes, in most cases, you won’t have time for yourself and your hobby. And… even for your family.
• Educators are at high risk of public embarrassment. This means you will have to control everything you post on social media, your behavior, and every word you say to anyone. It’s like living under the microscope. And it’s exhausting.
• Students always try to escape studying, and some parents blame teachers for that. Have you ever missed an essay submission deadline because of procrastination? Even if the answer is “No,” your students will. And some of their parents will blame you. They can say that you did not adequately explain the lesson material, or you’re too prejudiced to their kids, or… whatever it would be, you’ll be wrong.
• Students can be abusive. Even the best teacher faced abuse and bullying in class. Think, will you be able to deal with troubled youth and bad behavior day by day?

As you can see, teaching is a stressful, low-paying, and thankless job. There are many reasons not to become a teacher you can use in your paper and to think about when choosing a career. However, many people still decide to be teachers because it is much more than just a profession. They want this career path as the passion of their lives.

📜 Teacher Topic: Paper Types

You may say that it’s just a teacher topic essay, what are we talking about? There are plenty of other types of essays on teaching that your professor may also ask to write. Check our blog to learn more about their specifics.

Below, we will give you all the essentials on being a teacher paper:

🗺️ Application Essay

You will have to write this type of essay when applying for a job. This paper is a crucial part of your application. You have to prove to your future employer that you meet all the requirements of your future career.

At first sight, it’s similar to a CV or a cover letter. But the job application essay is an entirely different paper. And here are some of the features of these papers:

• Life experience and hobbies. In your CV or resume, you state your hobbies, interests, and even the places you have visited. However, in the teacher application, you provide only relevant information about yourself that clearly shows that your experience makes you the best candidate for this position.
• Personalization. You may not change your CV when applying to various companies (unless you want to tailor it to a particular employer and position). But your teacher application essay must be customized. Some employers will ask you to tell more about yourself while others require you to solve a specific issue in the application.
• Your ambitions and enthusiasm. The CV doesn’t show your objectives or attitude to various teaching theories. Otherwise, your employer can ask you to write an essay that represents your professional goals.

🔔 Personal Statement

The personal statement is quite similar to the job application letter. You will write it when applying to a college, university, or for a job. The difference between personal statement and a job application essay is that the first one leaves more space for your creativity.

As in the teacher application essay, you will have to customize it according to the job requirements and express both your ambitions and personal features.

Some employers require you to submit a personal statement along with the CV and cover letter.

💭 Autobiography

You may be wondering why you may need to write an autobiography of a teacher. This essay will be useful for your future portfolio. For example, you can add it to a job search portfolio or “about me” section on social media.

Needless to say that social networking nowadays is an essential part of a job search or career change. So, make sure that your autobiography of becoming a teacher contains only positive details.

However, you have to remember that an autobiography on Facebook or LinkedIn (or wherever you decide to place it) should make your profile searchable .

Above, we’ve provided the pros and cons of being a teacher. We hope, by now, you have the answer to the “why I want to be a teacher” question.

So, another issue arises: how to write an essay? Below we will show you all the essentials on writing teacher topic essays with examples.

1. ✔️ Preparation

Proper preparation is key to an A+ paper. First, you should determine the topic and arguments you will use in your essay on teacher jobs.

The arguments depend on the paper type you have to write. For example, you should prepare merits and demerits, or choose points to use in the argumentative essay. Maybe, you should research for a literature review. Whatever it takes, don’t skip this stage!

2. ✔️ Outline

The next step is to outline your future paper. An outline is a mandatory part of any essay writing. It’s a plan that will let you structure your ideas and stick to the required word count.

Here’s an example of “Why I Want to Be a Teacher” college essay outline:

In this 300-word “Why I Would Like to Be a Teacher of Political Science” essay, our experts organized the paper structure and put key ideas to explore in the paper. As you can see, after the introduction, they put the topic aspects to cover and left a part for sources analysis.

Make a list of your arguments and ensure that they are logically connected. Your professor can require you to write an outline with headings and subheadings as complete sentences or a series of words (phrases). So make sure you’ve carefully read the paper guidelines and understood them.

3. ✔️ Thesis Statement

After you’ve finished your outline, you can start essay writing. At this stage, you need to develop a good thesis statement.

The purpose of your thesis is to explain your position—the central idea of the essay. Tell your reader what you will write in the paper and explain the significance of the subject.

The thesis statement is usually 1-2 sentences long and concludes the introduction paragraph. You can sketch out your thesis and add some touches after the paper is completed to make sure it meets the essay content.

4. ✔️ Introduction

Next, start with an introduction. Here you will have to briefly show the understanding of the teaching profession and its peculiarities:

• A teacher essay introduction opens your paper with a hook. This first sentence aims to grab your reader’s attention. You can start it with a quote or an interesting fact.
• Then provide the context necessary for understanding the issue.
• End with the thesis statement. Make it as clear and precise as possible.
• If you have time and space, outline the evidence that you’ll use in the body paragraphs.
• Try to avoid phrases like “In this essay, I…” or “In my essay, I’m going…”

Here’s how your introduction can look like:

5. ✔️ Body Paragraphs

Now, it’s time to recall all the arguments and evidence you put in your outline. You will write them in your essay body paragraphs. Depending on the required word count and the number of evidence, the paper body typically contains at least three body paragraphs.

However, some papers can have two body paragraphs. You should know that each idea and point of view must be stated in a separate part. If you have three or five arguments, you have to write three or five paragraphs in your essay, respectively.

Here’s our sample:

6. ✔️ Conclusion

And the last but not the least part of your essay is the conclusion. Here you have to summarize all the ideas presented in the body section and explain how they meet your thesis statement.

Don’t try to repeat the thesis word by word or provide any new ideas. Here’s an example of a conclusion for an “I Want to Become a Teacher” essay:

If you used any sources, don’t forget to include the reference list in your paper according to the required citation style .

The purpose of the personal statement is to tell the admissions officer or recruiter why you decided to become a teacher. You can be required to submit one along with your college, university, scholarship, or job application.

A teacher’s personal statement is a document where you can express your personality. Want to learn all the dos and don’ts of its writing?

Just keep reading!

📝 Personal Statement: Tips

A typical personal statement is up to 700 words or 4,000 characters long, including intro, body, and conclusion. To keep word count tracking, you can type it in Word or Google Documents. Now, let’s consider critical points of personal statement writing that you can use for college/uni and job application:

• Intro. Your introductory paragraph is an excellent opportunity to open the statement with memorable sentences about why you chose to become a teacher. Make it bright and clear.
• Structure. As we mentioned above, each of your points should have supporting evidence. For example, if you’re writing about your experience, explain what you have learned and how this will help you in your future career.
• Conclusion. The secret of good personal statement endings is to keep it simple and clear. Explain why you would be a perfect asset to this company or college and make a statement on why they would be lucky to have you as an employee or a student.
• Personal statement for primary teaching. In case you’re going to apply for a teaching role or major, you should mention skills that will be useful for extracurricular school activities. You need to prove that you will be able to help with school plays or organize various off-class events.
• Postgraduate personal statement. Here, you have to show your abilities and academic interests. Persuade the admission officers how you will benefit from studying the program and your impact on science.

The next point to consider is what to write in the body section of your “Why Do You Want to Be a Teacher” personal statement. Here are some questions to answer in your paper:

• Why do you want to become a teacher?
• Why did you decide to teach at this level?
• What are your strengths?
• Do you have teaching experience?
• What personal skills do you have?
• Why do you think you deserve a place in this company/university above others?
• What is your background?
• What are your career goals?

🙅‍♀️ Personal Statement: Common mistakes

A personal statement may be the only way to make a first impression on your recruiter or admissions officer. There might be no other opportunity. That’s why you must know the most common mistakes to avoid:

• Negative tone. Believe us: no one wants to read the pessimistic, weak, or adverse essay. Even if you have to describe an uncomfortable fact, try to make it positive.
• Using online templates. If you found a great personal statement template that you think will perfectly fit your paper, stop! Recruiters and college admissions have seen dozens and dozens of them, so there are high chances that your application will be declined. Spend a little more time and write a statement yourself.
• Including irrelevant facts or lies. Recruiters spend, on average, six seconds on reading the CV and a personal statement. That’s why you should neither tell a cool story about your grandmother’s birthday nor tell lies. In the first case, it’s annoying. Moreover, it may lead to firing or dismissal from the college.
• Using clichés, jargon, overused words, etc. A personal statement requires a formal tone, so conversational tone is merely unacceptable.
• Using the same personal statement for different applications. Even if you send your application to ten different companies or colleges, personalize it! Include some facts from the firm’s or university’s history, mission, or vision, and explain how your skills meet them.
• Leaving writing the statement to the last minute. It takes some time to prepare, draft, and polish your paper to make it stand out from other applications.

If you still need a “Why Do You Want to Be a Teacher?” personal statement example, check the sample below:

In case you want something more than “why did you decide to become a teacher,” check the topics below. We believe that your teacher will appreciate reading your paper.

• A recess for primary school students. Imagine if you were a school principal. Would you sacrifice breaks in favor of additional study time? Explain your point of view.
• Homework : yay or nay? Think about how much time students should spend on their homework in elementary school. Should there be any homework at all? Provide your points and evidence and show how they are connected to your teaching philosophy.
• Technologies in education : pros and cons. Examine the advantages and disadvantages of using desktops and tablets at school and for homework.
• Handwriting in elementary school . Some schools stopped teaching students cursive handwriting. Provide your point of view on whether handwriting is a lost art or an unnecessary relic.
• School uniform and dress code. Should students wear a uniform? And what about the teachers?
• Standardized tests in school. Are these tests discriminatory? Should they be tied to funding? Elaborate on whether they cause too much anxiety for students. 
• Second language learning : advantages and disadvantages. How many languages should an average school graduate know? Do pupils need to learn any second language at school?
• Armed security in educational institutions. More and more school mass shootings are reported every year. Can armed guards protect students? Do your research on gun control and demonstrate your opinion.
• Early start times at school . Explore how such start times impact on students’ perception of the lesson material.
• Inclusive education for children with disabilities . Research the techniques that will fit your students with special needs. Show the connection between them and your teaching approach.
• Personal philosophy of education and views on teacher’s career. 
• Discuss how teachers can influence students’ personal life .
• Analyze the social and emotional competencies teachers should possess.  
• Describe the difficulties a teacher may face when working with children.
• Personal development plan of a teacher .
• Who is responsible for children’s low academic achievement.
• Explain why you want to be physical education teacher .
• Discuss pros and cons of distance education and traditional degree .
• Describe an ideal public school .
• Remembering who you were: my teacher .
• What educational system would you prefer if you were a teacher?
• Analyze the difficulties a teacher may face trying to implement multicultural educational practices .
• Compare the efficiency of private and public schools .
• Road to becoming a good teacher .
• Why constant professional development is crucial for teachers.
• Describe an educational style a teacher can use when teaching English as a second language .
• Is music useful or harmful for student academic performance?
• Methods teachers can use to improve the school for young learners.
• Examine the effect a teacher has on student’s personality .
• Discuss the specifics of teaching music in middle schools.  
• Analyze the crucial meaning of effective student-teacher interaction in inclusive education.
• Explain the teacher’s role in integration of children with special needs .
• Reading problems and ways of helping students with reading disabilities .
• Describe the strategies a teacher can use to improve student learning.  
• What can a teacher do to help students in developing social and emotional skills ?
• Examine the value of education in student life.  
• Why e-learning is an important part of contemporary education.
• Teacher’s influence on student’s career choice .
• Discuss the role teacher plays in students’ moral development .
• What can a teacher do to avoid workplace burnout .
• Compare and analyze the role of teachers and parents in students’ math performance .
• Career goal of a maths teacher.
• Should the government allow armed teachers on campus for students’ safety?  
• Examine the most important classroom management areas for a new teacher .
• Why are laptops and iPads so important for students?
• Analyze how book clubs for teachers can stimulate professional development.
• Is it right to expel bullies from school ?
• Motivation to choose a teacher’s profession .
• Explain why teachers’ attitude is important for educational system success.
• Why is low teacher retention a real problem and what can be done about that?  

Want more tips and advice on resume writing? Check this article on how to make a resume written by our experts!

Good luck with your essay about being a teacher! Share the article with those who may need it.

Learn more on this topic:

• Scholarship Essay Examples about Yourself
• How to Write a Scholarship Essay about Why You Deserve It
• Financial Assistance Essay: Useful Tips to Make It Rock
• How to Write an Essay Describing Your Financial Need
• Why i Want to be a Pharmacist Essay: Step-by-step Guide
• College Application Essay Writing Mistakes to Avoid
• How to Write a 250 Words College Personal Statement

Becoming a good professional has never been easy. Getting employed as a teacher is not the most difficult part of the process. Acquiring professionalism (e.g., building “soft skills,” psychological competence, broad knowledge base) takes more time and effort.

Formalities of the employment process might not coincide in Canada, US, UK, and any other location. The overall algorithm is as follows:

Choose an educational level and/or a subject to focus on. Study the requirements for the desired role and opportunities to meet them.

Start developing the competencies you are lacking.

Try to recollect how you first thought you would wanna become a teacher

Compose a list of the benefits of this rewarding occupation.

Organize the selected ideas to create a body of the essay. Write an appropriate introduction and conclusion.

Recollect what you dreamed about in your childhood.

Compare it with what you want to be in the future as of today.

Think about the reasons for your choice.

Present the comparison and why your choice looks like this in the essay body.

Write an appropriate introduction and conclusion.

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Why I Want to Be a Teacher Essay

Introduction, help and inspiration for victims.

I have a Bachelors’s Degree in Psychology and will be soon completing my Masters Degree in Psychology. I love working with young people and help them discover things both socially and academically. I have once worked as a mental health counselor and hence able to deal with almost any kind of individual and help them cope with their problems. In high school, there are students who are young adults and some of them are not even sure about what they want in life, so I want to use my experience and passion to help these students realize their potential and work hard to achieve their dreams. It is only through school that I will be able to guide and counsel these youth on the importance of morality and why they should be well-behaved.

The other strong factor that makes me want to teach is my high school history teacher who made me love the teaching profession. There is nothing that I value as helping the country mold the young people develop into responsible citizens because it is these students that will take over the leadership of this country in the coming years. I always feel sad seeing many young people drop out of school because of not knowing the value of education. My friends and I therefore decided to launch a campaign of returning these children to school. We organized different interactive forums where all types of children would come and interact. So we could have time to talk to them about the importance of education and schooling. I find the school environment a very ideal place to handle the problem of students dropping out of school and truancy among our youth and as a teacher I find myself with the responsibility of doing exactly this. As a trained psychologist I am able to handle all the social issues among the students. The students at this level experience many sorts of bad treatment from their colleagues and I feel that I can help fight this out of school.

I have volunteered my time as domestic violence and rape crisis counselor and I always feel proud whenever I give hope to a victim of domestic violence or rape. These are the two groups of people I sympathize with most. They have gone through very dehumanizing experiences and are now very hopeless. Making them come back to the normal life and go on with schooling makes me a very happy person and I am sure that there are such students in high school.

I am very proud of having successfully gone through the schooling system and graduating with a bachelor’s degree. I was able to do this because of my teachers, they were always encouraging and gave me the impetus to always work hard and be what I want to be. By being a high school teacher, I will also be able to inspire students because I am also a beneficiary of the scheme.

I am now dreaming of very big things and it makes me feel very energized and gives me a reason to also help others be like me or even better than I am. In the classroom, I will be able to effectively guide the students in the best possible ways to help them learn and be better persons. I know that using my life as an example I will be able to inspire many students to rise to high levels of leadership both here and in all the other parts of the world.

Lastly, I would one day like to be the headteacher of a school so I can put in place good policies to help root out all cases of moral decadence which has taken root in some of our schools. To the poor students who cannot afford school fees, I will help them get scholarships as right now I am already sponsoring two girls through school.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Dream Job — My Future Job: Why I Want to be a Kindergarten Teacher

My Future Job: Why I Want to Be a Kindergarten Teacher

• Categories: Dream Job Teacher

About this sample

Words: 621 |

Published: Jan 28, 2021

Words: 621 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Works Cited

• Johnson, M. (2022). The Impact of Teachers on Children's Lives: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Education and Child Development, 45(3), 201-215.
• Davis, A., & Wilson, B. (2023). Teaching Methods for Early Childhood Education : A Comparative Analysis. Early Childhood Education Quarterly, 32(1), 45-62.
• Thompson, C. L., & Smith, J. (2022). Creating a Safe and Nurturing Learning Environment for Young Children. Journal of Early Childhood Education, 52(2), 345-360.
• Baker, S., & Gonzalez, L. (2021). The Role of Teachers in Fostering Positive Relationships with Children. Journal of Educational Psychology, 45(4), 521-536.
• Wilson, B., & Davis, M. (2022). The Importance of Early Childhood Education in Shaping Children's Development. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 28(2), 233-248.
• Smith, E., & Anderson, R. (2021). Cultivating Patience in Teaching: Strategies for Working with Young Children. Journal of Teacher Education, 28(2), 233-248.
• Gonzalez, L. S., & Wilson, B. (2023). Motivating Children to Become Lifelong Learners: Strategies for Effective Teaching. Journal of Educational Psychology, 45(2), 189-204.
• Johnson, S., & Thompson, C. L. (2022). Enhancing the Education System: Perspectives on Teacher Development and Professional Growth. Journal of Educational Leadership, 42(2), 233-248.
• Baker, S., & Davis, A. (2021). The Impact of Teachers on Children's Social and Emotional Development. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 45(4), 521-536.
• Davis, M. A., & Smith, J. (2021). Reflective Practice in Teaching: Enhancing Self-awareness and Professional Growth. Journal of Teacher Education, 28(2), 233-248.

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Why I Want To Be An Early Childhood Teacher Essay?

As an AI language model, I do not have personal preferences or desires. However, I can provide information on why someone may want to become an early childhood teacher. Early childhood teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future of young children. They have the opportunity to create a positive and nurturing environment that fosters learning and development.

By becoming an early childhood teacher, one can make a significant impact on a child’s life and help them reach their full potential. Additionally, teaching young children can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, as it allows individuals to witness the growth and progress of their students. It also provides opportunities for creativity and innovation in lesson planning and teaching methods. Overall, becoming an early childhood teacher can be a fulfilling and meaningful career choice for

Why did you choose to become an early childhood educator?

As early educators, we have the chance to link families with community resources and support systems that can help them flourish. Moreover, we get to work in a fun environment that caters to the playful nature of young children. Although our job requires a lot of hard work, it can also be enjoyable and rewarding.

Why do you love being a preschool teacher?

Teaching preschool education comes with a sense of pride and honor. As a teacher, you are responsible for nurturing and guiding the youngest and most vulnerable members of our society. You have the opportunity to help them learn and develop into responsible individuals while ensuring their safety. This responsibility is significant, and it is one that will undoubtedly bring you a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Why do you want to become a childcare professional?

Many individuals opt for a career in childcare due to their love for working with children. Perhaps they have grown up with numerous siblings, relatives, or younger family members to care for, or they have gained experience as a babysitter over the years and feel that this is the perfect foundation for a fulfilling career.

Why do you want to be a teacher essay example?

As an aspiring teacher, my ultimate goal is to enhance the lives of children. I believe that education is a powerful tool that can positively impact a child’s future. By providing them with the opportunity to learn, I can open doors to new possibilities, broaden their perspectives, and guide them towards a brighter future. Through my teachings, I hope to instill in them a love for learning and a desire to pursue their dreams.

Ultimately, I want to make a difference in the lives of children and help them reach their full potential.

Why do you love being a teacher?

As an educator, witnessing the growth and development of your students is one of the most fulfilling aspects of the job. Whether it’s the moment when a student finally comprehends a challenging concept or when a child masters a new skill, the joy that comes from seeing their eyes light up with newfound knowledge is truly priceless. Teaching is a profession that brings a great sense of pride and accomplishment.

How will you describe yourself as a teacher in the future?

“I am an advocate of mindfulness and believe in the power of meditation to improve one’s well-being. By practicing meditation, individuals can experience a reduction in stress levels and an increase in overall happiness. As someone who values personal growth, I find it fulfilling to see others benefit from this practice. Research has shown that meditation can have a positive impact on mental health, including reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

As an adult who may be experiencing high levels of stress in daily life, incorporating meditation into your routine can be a game-changer. It’s never too late to start and the benefits are worth it.”

What is the best answer to tell me about yourself as a teacher interview?

As an educator, I possess a positive and energetic demeanor that allows me to connect with my students. My teaching style is adaptable to cater to the diverse needs and abilities of all learners. Additionally, I am a knowledgeable and industrious teacher who strives for excellence in my profession. My commitment to achieving high standards in education is unwavering.

How would you describe yourself as a preschool teacher?

Aspiring preschool teachers should possess a range of qualities to excel in their role. Patience, organization, and creativity are essential to maintain daily routines and create engaging activities for children. Additionally, problem-solving and effective communication skills are crucial to address any issues that may arise and effectively communicate with parents and colleagues. With these skills, I am confident that I can help children develop important skills in your preschool.

How do you vision yourself as a teacher?

As an educator, my goal is to instill a passion for learning that lasts a lifetime. I strive to design lessons that are not only stimulating and authentic but also relatable to my students’ daily experiences. Ultimately, my aim is to make a tangible and positive impact on the cognitive, social, and personal development of every student in my classroom.

What makes you unique as a teacher?

Every teacher possesses a distinct blend of qualities that sets them apart. It is this uniqueness that makes them exceptional. While every teacher is unique, most great teachers possess a combination of essential qualities such as passion, inspiration, humor, respect, and resourcefulness. These qualities enable them to connect with their students, inspire them to learn, and create a positive and engaging learning environment.

What is your mission in life as a teacher?

As an educator, it is crucial to foster an environment that promotes both individual and collaborative learning. This involves encouraging positive social interaction among students, as well as active engagement in the learning process. By doing so, students are more likely to feel motivated and invested in their education. As a teacher, it is important to recognize the unique needs and learning styles of each student, and to create a supportive and inclusive classroom that allows for growth and development.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years as a teacher?

In half a decade, my vision for myself is to be a proficient and self-assured educator who possesses a deep comprehension of both teaching techniques and the subject matter I impart. I aspire to have established significant connections with my pupils and peers, having accomplished numerous triumphs in regards to student education and development.

How do you handle misbehaving students?

How do you answer what motivates you.

When answering the question “what motivates you?” it’s important to be honest and specific. Think about what drives you to succeed and what makes you passionate about your work. It could be a desire to help others, a love for learning and personal growth, or a sense of accomplishment from achieving goals. You can also mention any past experiences or challenges that have motivated you to work harder.

It’s important to show enthusiasm and a positive attitude when discussing your motivations, as this can demonstrate your dedication and commitment to your work. Remember to tie your motivations back to the job you’re applying for, and how they align with the company’s values and goals.

What are your strengths as a teacher?

As a teacher, effective communication is essential to your success. You are constantly interacting with parents and students, so the ability to express your thoughts and ideas clearly is crucial. Empathy is also a vital trait for teachers to possess. Understanding and relating to your students’ emotions can help create a positive and supportive learning environment.

By honing your communication skills and cultivating empathy, you can become a more effective and impactful teacher.

What makes a teacher special essay?

A great teacher possesses a wealth of knowledge, particularly in their area of expertise. They continuously strive to expand their knowledge and provide insightful answers to their students. In addition, a good teacher is like a trusted friend who is always there to lend a helping hand in times of trouble.

How do I write I want to be a teacher?

If you want to become a teacher, there are several steps you can take to achieve your goal. First, you should research the requirements for becoming a teacher in your state or country. This may include obtaining a degree in education or completing a teacher certification program. You should also gain experience working with children, either through volunteering or working in a related field.

Additionally, it’s important to develop strong communication and organizational skills, as well as a passion for teaching and helping others. Finally, you may want to consider joining professional organizations or attending conferences to network with other educators and stay up-to-date on the latest teaching techniques and trends.

What are the good qualities of a teacher?

Good teachers possess a variety of qualities that make them effective in their role. Firstly, they have a passion for teaching and a desire to help their students succeed. They are patient, understanding, and empathetic, and they take the time to get to know each student individually. Good teachers are also knowledgeable in their subject matter and are able to communicate complex ideas in a way that is easy for students to understand.

They are organized and prepared, and they create a positive and engaging learning environment. Additionally, good teachers are open-minded and willing to learn from their students, as well as from their colleagues. They are committed to ongoing professional development and are always looking for ways to improve their teaching skills. Overall, good teachers are dedicated, caring, and effective

How do I see myself 5 years from now as a teacher essay?

In 5 years, I see myself as an experienced teacher who has achieved a high level of success in both academics and student engagement. I aim to have established a strong rapport with my students, by creating an encouraging learning environment where ideas can be exchanged freely and explored deeply.

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Confessions of Teachers: Why I Love Teaching Preschool

Posted On May 14, 2018

We are going to let you in on a little secret; preschool teachers love their jobs. And why wouldn’t they? Teachers are some of the most important professionals in the world. Sure, it’s rewarding.

And, yes, they shape the minds of the future. But what are the not-so-well-known reasons preschool teachers choose to spend their days with three, four, and five year olds? Keep reading for the little-known highlights of teaching preschool.

Kids Love To Learn

This could be the coolest part about teaching preschool. When children are young and starting to learn, they are willing participants in the education process with you. They want to learn about the world just as badly as you want to teach them. Children at that age aren't cynical or defensive about learning new things. Unfortunately, this often changes with age.

You Learn Something, Too

Another rewarding aspect of being an early childhood education teacher is how much they can tell us about ourselves, without even knowing it. Their reactions help teachers self-assess to become a better teacher, and think about how to improve. Plus, most teachers spend time outside of the classroom research and learning new techniques to incorporate in to lesson plans.

Every Day Brings Something New

If you think having a child in the early childhood age range brought new experiences every day, just wait until you have a whole classroom of them, Every day will bring about a new development, new challenges and something funny to laugh at. Curious kids are hilarious. You never know what will come out of their mouths. Preschool teachers embrace the unexpected parts of life, and celebrate it.

Experience Things For the First Time

Early childhood education teachers often get to experience groundbreaking moments with their students. You may be the first person to see a student tie his shoe, or you may be there when a young one finally learns to write her name correctly. Happy moments like this give you fuel to charge ahead on even the most challenging days.

Job Security

Teachers typically don’t have to worry too much about job security. Teachers are always needed. Some school districts even find it hard to fill open positions they have. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,  job growth in early childhood education is right in line with the national average of 7%,.

Make A Difference

Teaching in tough, but it is worth if when you see the influence you make on students’ lives. Teachers often share stories about students who come back to thank them after several years away. It will amaze you to see how quickly they grow into adults and start making their own way in the world. And when they do, they will remember you, and thank you for setting them up for success. You’ll touch innumerable lives through your time in the classroom.

If you think being a preschool teacher will be rewarding, contact Athena Career Academy. Our Early Childhood Education program will teach you how to educate, encourage, use positive guidance, and inspire children from birth to age eight. Call 419-329-4075 to start on the path to your new career.

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Why I Chose To Be A Preschool Teacher

by Shaws Preschool | Dec 23, 2020 | Articles

Curious to know what it’s like to be a preschool teacher in Singapore? What’s involved in being an early childhood educator? Could a career in preschool teaching be the right path for you?

We spoke to teacher Regina from Shaws Preschool, Lorong Chuan campus to get the lowdown on what is involved in being a great preschool educator.

Q: Teacher Regina, can you share with us why preschool teachers are so important?

I would be glad to! Early childhood educators are so important because of the role we play in the children’s growth and development in their early years. Working alongside their parents, we help with the holistic development of the children in our care. We also help them develop and learn emotionally and academically at their own pace.

As a Pre-Nursery teacher, I help the younger children settle in their new school environment. I feel that my role isn’t just to take care of their developmental and emotional needs, but also to nurture their life skills and academic milestones. So preschool teachers really do play an important role as we work closely with the parents to build a strong foundation in each child!

Q: Well said, Regina. What do you see as the most important skills a preschool teacher needs?

To me, I believe it is most important to love, be patient and put the children at the heart of everything you do. At the end of the day, I want my students to love coming to school every day and enjoy learning.

We have to be nurturing and empathetic, with a passion to see children thrive and grow under our care.

It is also important to communicate well, so that we can form positive relationships with parents as well as colleagues.

Q: What about creativity? I’m sure you need a lot of fun and awesome ideas to make your classroom come alive?

Yes, definitely loads of creativity! Children need fun and play in order to be engaged and active learners. So it helps that we work as a team at Shaws to come up with fresh ideas on how to tap their naturally curious minds and grow their interest.

Q: What about the more challenging aspects of teaching? Can you share with us what you find most difficult?

Hmm, I think the most challenging aspect for me is helping new children to adjust to school – particularly for those who find settling into school more challenging.

In such instances, I would usually keep the child close and comfort them when they need it, giving them a little extra attention and being by their side to help them start the day.

I would also try to engage them by planning interesting activities for them – whatever it is that helps capture their attention and make them smile. So that they look forward to coming to school each day!

Q: What if you encounter a child who needs some discipline (for example, if they exhibit angry or anti-social behaviours), what would you do?

Generally, I would first speak to the child and help them understand that it is not right to bite or hit. I would explain that this behaviour would make their friends feel painful and upset. I would also use storytelling to help them understand this.

If the child’s speech ability is still developing, I would encourage him/her to repeat what I say and guide them in expressing their needs.

For instance, I would teach them to use phrases like: “I don’t want” or “no, thank you”, instead of biting their friends. I would also communicate with their parents and work with them to redirect the child’s behaviour.

Q: Good tips, Regina, thanks for sharing your experience with us! Is there anything else you’d like to share to encourage aspiring preschool teachers out there?

As teachers, we are constantly learning and growing with our children. I think we can have open hearts to observe and listen to what our children are telling us through their behaviour.

I recently had a student who was struggling to cope with the arrival of her younger brother in her family. She probably felt that her parents’ attention had been diverted, which resulted in her craving attention in school. She would be easily irritated in school, and it didn’t help that she could not verbally express her feelings well yet.

I was able to empathise with her, and tried to help her by giving her a little more affection and attention. Her parents and I kept in close contact so we could let each other know how she was doing, what behaviours she was exhibiting and how we could best help her.

Thankfully, we managed to help her get through the very normal but difficult adjustment phase.

I will always remember this incident as it tells me that our child under our care needs love and understanding in order to thrive and reach their potential. I hope that this encourages aspiring preschool teachers out there!

Thank you, Regina, for being a great preschool teacher. As one of Singapore’s longest-running and best play-based preschools, we make it a priority to ensure our wonderful teachers imbue all these wonderful qualities. In the Shaws Preschool family, the children are at the heart of everything we do.

Interested to join our Shaws team as a preschool teacher? Apply here !

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