Why do you want to be a biologist? Why do you want to be a surgeon? Why do you want to be a counselor? Why do you want to be a hairdresser? Why does anyone want to be anything? Why do you go to college? Why do you go to grad school? Why do you work hard in college?

The answer is simple.

Because you want to have a career in something that you love. You wouldn’t work as hard if you didn’t have a passion for what you’re studying. So when people ask me why I want to be a teacher my response is because I love it. Then they ask why I want to be an early childhood/special education teacher, and I reply because I love that even more. So when some people may look down on me wanting to be a teacher I will confidently say back, “I will not apologize for doing what I love to do and if that’s not OK with you then that’s your problem, not mine.”

Being a teacher is one of the most rewarding jobs. You have a chance to make a real difference in a child’s life. Your work has a purpose. When you are teaching and you can see the lightbulbs go on, you feel on top of the world. It gives you a sense of worth and makes you feel like you did something right. Although I am not a teacher yet I have tutored children and when they finally understand something it is one of the most rewarding feelings. Your students look up to you; you are their role model. This is another part of teaching that makes you feel needed and important. Another rewarding part of being a teacher is having the summers off. I am very excited to one day start a family so that will be amazing to get to spend the summers running the kids to soccer practice, going on vacation, family events, amusement parks, etc. You get to work on your family and get a break from work. People say teaching gives you the time off you deserve. Teachers, just like doctors, can still be very successful. Teachers are loved by all. If you’re a good enough teacher and you show that you love what you do, your students will love you and be excited to come to school every day. Another great aspect of being a teacher is that you get to release your creative side, which for me is very exciting. You get to decorate your own room that shows off your personality. Not many jobs allow that. I want to be a teacher because I want to be able to make a difference in a child’s life and be the reason they want to come to school every day.