When you think about teachers, you probably think about lesson plans, worksheets, textbooks, art projects, math tests, and things like that. You probably also think about tired, stressed out, over-worked teachers. We are constantly talking about all of the things you lose when you become a teacher. You lose time for sleep, time to eat a full lunch, time for bathroom breaks, and lots of other things. We are always reminded of the sacrifices teachers make, and the things that they lose. Don’t get me wrong, it is important to remember the sacrifices they make to better the next generation. But why don’t we ever talk about the things that they gain when they become teachers?

When you become a teacher, you are committing to something more important than yourself. You are committing to shaping the minds of the future. It can be stressful, but it is one of the most rewarding jobs you can pursue. So, what do you gain when you become a teacher?

1.Confidence

How many other careers are there where you stand in front of a crowd of children every day? Not to mention, if you’re an elementary school teacher, you probably spend a portion of those days singing songs, reading books, dancing, or just acting silly to keep their attention. That takes some serious self-confidence.

2.Creativity

Being a teacher is much more than just standing in front of a projection screen lecturing. It takes creative ideas to get (and keep) the attention of a classroom full of kids. When you become a teacher, you get very creative.

3. A classroom full of kids that look up to you.

One of the most important things you gain when you become a teacher is a classroom full of kids that look up to you. No matter how discouraged you feel, they believe in you. No matter how many times you think to yourself, “These kids probably think I’m crazy,” they don’t. And even if they do, it’s usually “crazy” in a good way!

4. Your youth.

Teachers have the chance to stay pretty much always in the know. They can keep up to date with everything the kids are interested in and, if they’re lucky, they can stay “cool” in the eyes of their students.

5. Extra time with your family.

Since you get nights, weekends, and holiday breaks off from work, you get to spend more time with your family. Teachers are fortunate to have this extra perk.

6. Expert knowledge on lots of things.

Whether it be how to solve math word problems, every fact there is to know about Benjamin Franklin, or every word to a Dr. Seuss book, you gain lots of expert knowledge on all things “kid.”

7. The chance to create a “family” in your classroom.

You spend a lot of time with your students. In some cases, when parents work long hours, the students in your class may see you more than they see their parents. This makes it extremely important to become a source of support for the kids in your classroom. You can truly become a “family” in your classroom.

8. Fulfilment

You can go home every night, knowing that you made a difference in a kid’s life. That’s enough to make anyone happy.