Should I teach?

The first question many of us ask ourselves is: “Do I have what it takes to become a teacher?”

  If you know enough about teaching to ask yourself this question, you’re half way there. If you think it’s an easy job, think again. Educators must be caring, yet exceedingly tough skinned. They must be intelligent and quick on their feet (literally and figuratively). Ask yourself these questions. Write your answers in the margins. Go ahead. You’re going to be a teacher so get used to taking notes on everything. No text is too sacred for a little marginalia. P.S. Don’t you just love the word marginalia?

Is teaching a good career choice for me?

1. Do I take things people say personally?
2. Did I hate primary, secondary, or post-secondary school?
3. Do I hate planning trips?
4. Do I hate being behind a desk all day?
5. Am I a logical thinker?
6. Am I full of energy?
7. Do I stand my ground with my pets, parents, spouse or children?
8. Do I get energy from the energy of others?

Hopefully you’ve realized that if you answered “No” to the first three and “Yes” to the last five then you’re probably not totally crazy for considering a career in education. What if you didn’t get them all “right”? Two of the most important aspects of teaching are loving your content and loving kids.  If you have that, then you’ve got a fighting chance at being great.