Dear Future Teachers,

I just want you to know that it is A-okay to want to aspire to be a teacher. I have been told, and I'm pretty sure you have, as well, so many times, "You do know that teachers do not get paid much." Yes, I know. I do not want to be a teacher because of the money; I want to be a teacher because I have a passion and a calling to work with children.

You shouldn't want to be a teacher because it's an "easy" major or degree. Because, the truth is that it is not. Becoming a teacher is more than just a degree, it's about learning to understand and recognize if a student needs more help. It's about loving to teach children the things they need to know to succeed; it's about spreading joy and love that they might not get at home. Being a teacher is more than just a paycheck, and for some, it may be, but I can tell you that it is not right. If you want to be a teacher then you better be up for the challenge. The late nights, the lesson plans, the disruptive students, grading all the homework, making the tests, and especially all of the teacher/faculty meetings. It is not for the faint of heart and especially those who like to complain. It is for someone who is ready to deal with the students and their parents, those who love teaching something new to students, those who love to inspire children, help children grow, make a difference in their lives, and teaching children not to be so lazy! It's more than just a degree.

I moved away to college to one of the poorest counties in Alabama. I now live in a county that doesn't have a lot of money to do just about anything. I have been in the public schools and I have seen what they look like on the inside. They may not look great or be the best, but they have teachers in them who love and care for them. I met a gentleman who graduated from the same high school I did, how he ended up in my new town is far beyond my knowledge, but I asked him why he's here and he said, "Because I love to teach and this is where I decided to be." He doesn't teach in one of the poorest counties in Alabama because he likes the money; he teaches there because he loves his students and he wants the best for them, which is success.

As a teacher, you do not only have a duty to your students but you have a duty to their parents. They are putting their child in your hands. They are trusting you with their babies. Especially for first time, parents this is a big deal. They may not understand that you want the best for their children just as much as they do.

Teaching is a hard job and not everybody is cut out for it.

Sincerely,

A Future Teacher