Why Teaching is Fun

Why Teaching is Fun Full Disclosure: Inspiration can come from anywhere. This morning I was telling my seven-year-old son that I had to write an article. I told him that I did not even know what I was going to write about. He immediately said, â€Å"Why don’t you write about why teaching is fun.† Thank you Kaden for inspiring me! Teaching is fun! If you are a teacher and do not generally agree with that statement, then perhaps it is time for you to find another career choice. I would agree that there are days when fun is not a word I would use to describe my profession. There are times when teaching is frustrating, disappointing, and disheartening. However, generally speaking, it is a fun profession for many reasons. Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦because no two days are the same. Each day brings a different challenge and a different outcome. Even after teaching for twenty years, the next day will present something you haven’t seen before.Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦because you get to see those â€Å"light bulb† moments. That is the moment where everything just clicks for a student. It is in these moments that students are able to take the information learned and apply it to real life situations.Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦because you get to explore the world with your students on field trips. It is fun to get out of the classroom from time to time. You get to expose students to environments that they may not otherwise be exposed to.Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦because you are instantly a role model. Your students naturally look up to you. They often hang on your every word. In their eyes, you can do no wrong. You have a tremendous influence on them.Teach ing is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦when you can see growth and improvement as a result of your time with your students.   It is amazing how much your students will grow from the beginning to the end of the year. Knowing it is a direct result of your hard work is satisfying. Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦because you get to see students who fall in love with learning.   It does not happen with every student, but for the ones who do it is special.   The sky is the limit for a student who genuinely loves to learn.Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦because you grow, develop, and change as you gain more teaching experience.   Good teachers are constantly tinkering with how they operate their classroom. They are never satisfied with the status quo.Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦because you help students set and reach goals. Goal setting is a huge part of a teacher’s job. We not only help students set goals, but we celebrate with them when they reach them.Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦because it gives the opportunity to have a positive impact on young people on daily basis.   Every day presents an opportunity to make a difference. You never know when something you do or say will make an impact.Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦when you see former students, and they thank you for making a difference.   It is extremely gratifying when you see former students in public, and they share their success stories and give you credit for impacting their life. Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦because you get to build close relationships with other teachers who share similar experiences and understand the commitment that it takes to be an excellent teacher.Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦because of a friendly school calendar.   We are routinely discounted for getting summers off when most of us spend time honing our craft during those few months. However, having holidays off and a lengthy transition period between school years is a plus.Teaching is fun..........because you can help recognize, encourage, and cultivate talent.   As teachers recognize when students have talent in areas such as art or music. We are able to steer these talented students towards the gifts they are naturally blessed with.Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦when you see former students grow up and become successful adults.   As a teacher, one of your major goals is to have every student eventually make positive contributions to society. You succeed whe n they succeed.Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦when you are able to work collaboratively with parents for the benefit of the student. It is a beautiful thing when parents and teachers work together throughout the educational process. No one benefits more than the student. Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦when you invest in improving the culture of your school and can see a significant difference.   Teachers work hard to help other teachers improve. They also work diligently to improve the overall school climate and provide a safe learning environment.Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦when you see your students excel in extracurricular activities.   Extracurricular activities such as athletics play a critical role in schools across America. A sense of pride is developed when your students are successful in these activities.Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..because you are given opportunities to reach a child that no one else has been able to reach.   You cannot reach them all, but you always hope that someone else comes along who can.Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦when you have a creative idea for a lesson and the students absolutely love it.   You want to create lessons that become legendary. Lessons that students talk about and look forward to having you in class just to experience them.Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦when at the end of a rough day and student comes up and gives you hug or tells you how much they appreciate you. A hug from an elementary age or a thank you from an older student can instantly improve your day. Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦when you have a group of students who want to learn and mesh with your personality.   You can accomplish so much when you and your students are on the same page. Your students will grow exponentially when that is the case.Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦because it opens up other opportunities to be involved in your community.   Teachers are some of the most recognizable faces in a community.   Being involved in community organizations and projects is rewarding.Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦when parents recognize the difference you have made in their child and express their gratitude.   Unfortunately, teachers do not often get the recognition for their contributions that they deserve. When a parent expresses gratitude, it makes it worthwhile.Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦because each student provides a different challenge.   This keeps you on your toes with no chance of being bored. What works for one student or one class m ay or may not work for the next.Teaching is fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦when you work with a group of teachers whom all have similar personalities and philosophies.   Being surrounded by a group of like-minded teachers makes the job easier and more enjoyable.

6 Ways to Gain Control in the Face of Uncertainty

6 Ways to Gain Control in the Face of Uncertainty According to John Tarnoff, consultant for Boomers over at The Huffington Post, most of us are  dealing with a high level of anxiety and worry- whether we’re eyeing a diminishing pension or confronting yet another company reorganization. But it’s not all hopeless. Here are some  concrete suggestions that can help you tackle the uncertainty in your life and learn how to move toward acceptance instead. 1. Accept your situationMy husband likes to worry- he frets about losing his job, losing the freelance work he does on top of his job, losing the remote if I don’t put it back in the little box he set up specifically for that purpose. My favorite response is usually, â€Å"And what if you do? What if something does happen to your job? What if you did lose that freelance work? What if the remote does fall off the couch and break?† I accept that upsetting things can happen- I know I’ll be worried and unsettled when they happen, too. But I also know weà ¢â‚¬â„¢ll bounce back. I can’t preemptively carry around all that worry. This is an uncertain time. I know it. He knows it. One of us has a positive attitude- the other is perpetually bracing for the sky to fall.2. Embrace new hobbiesOnce you’re not worried about what you need to prepare for, you have the freedom just to prepare for whatever interests you. More than anything employers want to see prospective candidates who have interests, passion, and knowledge they can bring into their new job in unexpected, exciting ways. If nothing else, you’ll be distracted- but best-case scenario you’ll uncover something spontaneous and fulfilling that will take you somewhere you never anticipated.3. Write down your thoughtsThis is huge, especially when you feel overwhelmed and bombarded on all sides. Write it down. Write down what you’re sure of and what you’re unsure about, what you know and what you don’t. Whether it’s as simple as maki ng a list or as involved as a daily journal, try to record all the ideas that fluctuate through your brain in times of stress. When you page through it later you may notice patterns, goals, ideas in need of further development, or hopes you hadn’t even quite acknowledged to yourself!I make a lot of flow charts when I’m stressed. All my fears may end with me alone and friendless in the woods but at least I can draw a box with a little arrow to lead me back to civilization.4. Reach out to family and friendsDon’t withdraw from friends and family, colleagues, and classmates when you’re feeling uncertain. Don’t wait until you feel â€Å"normal† again to ask for help or bring close friends up to speed. This is a mistake I made often when graduate school was ending or when I was laid off from my first job- I retreated and didn’t answer my phone or my email for as long as I could (until the stress of evasion was as bad, if not worse, than the stress of confrontation).When in doubt, engage. Even if only for a mindless night of movies and snacks, stay in touch. Share your game plan. Let them help you refine and strengthen your ideas.5.  Reach out to professionalsWhen your friends and family come up short, as even the most well-meaning sometimes do, it’s time to go to the professionals. It may seem like an unwarranted expense to pay a life or career coach, but remember what they’ve invested in their expertise. The resources they’ve accumulated as a result can be at your disposal for a fraction of that cost. Take advantage of support and encourage wherever you find it!6. Keep expanding and evolvingJust because you’ve found a job or a place to pause doesn’t mean that’s the end of the line. Don’t take the easy way out or the sure thing when what you really want is a little further down the road. Let yourself give up old things and pursue new things. Breathe.If you learn to re lax, embrace the uncertainty, and depend on your strengths and your support network, you won’t feel so unsteady. You can breathe and build muscle memory so when a crisis does strike, you’ll absorb the shock instead of letting it sway you.