Teaching as a Profession: Defined

Teaching as a Profession: Defined

The definitions of teaching are very straightforward: 1) imparting knowledge or skill, 2) an activity, 3) intended behavior to induce learning, 4) a family of activities, training, indoctrinating and conditioning (Webb p. 27). And my personal favorite, "Perhaps the most provocative definition defines the teacher as an artist and teaching as an art." (Webb. 27)

While these definitions are simply stated -- the act, or art of teaching can be quite difficult.

Teaching is a very professional career where an individual is held accountable through a series of tests, assessments and tools to gauge the achievement of students and their learning. Teachers utilize their skills to convey a variety of teachable subjects to students within the classroom -- from math, science, history, social studies, to music, art, and life skills. The list of subjects that are put into the hands and creative minds of educators could go on for great lengths.

Teaching is a partnership between schools, community, and parents to help children succeed in their academic careers. Each time a teacher has exposure to a student, they have the opportunity to provide building blocks for students to take with them to new studies and plateaus.

Teaching is such a rewarding and challenging career, as teachers reach outside the box, and often outside their range of knowledge to help students overcome academic, social, and emotional challenges to ensure success. It is incredibly rewarding when individuals have worked diligently with success in reaching students and allowing them to reach their potential growth. It can be a struggle to know that we are planting seeds in the youth that we are influencing and not see cultivated change -- but know that the changes will come in the near future.

Teachers are a valuable resource to communities worldwide, nationwide, and community-wide. They provide an essential role of helping provide the best possible means of education to a group of students that they possibly can. In becoming a teacher, individuals learn a variety of tools in their education. Aspiring teachers have a criterion of classes that will help shape their knowledge base to become outstanding educators. With schooling, training, internships, student teaching, and opportunities to hone their skills, educators are constantly learning and growing with education. I believe this is why education is such a rewarding and ever-growing career choice. There are multitudes of opportunities in the field of education -- and individuals with a knack for working with children, and utilizing their skills to help others can find the perfect fit for their skills and talents. The supply of teachers will always be in high demand, as the number of youth needing quality education continues to grow(Webb 40), making education a wise career path for individuals that seek a position with a lot of stability and opportunity for exploration.

Many individuals struggle with the pros and cons of teaching, stating low salary is not desirable, or that they do not have patience, or therefore the ability to work well with others. However, teachers are pretty savvy in their ability to select a position that fits their aptitude, skill, and desirability. Teaching can be considered an opportunity to serve others -- which to me personally is a lot more valuable than a monetary figure in comparison to the outcome. (Webb). However, I also believe that the starting salaries in my area are fair, and that with experience they will continue to increase. This is very promising for me, as I plan to grow in my profession as an educator. I also enjoy the flexibility that teaching provides, time wise, as I have children of my own. By having the same schedule as they do, I will be able to spend more family time with them -- and help them to become better students and individuals. This flexibility is very important to me -- and allows more room in my life for other areas of importance.

In my experience as an educator, having taught in the college setting, as well as preschool and early elementary, the profession of education is an exciting one. I particularly enjoy having a skill base that is always able to be expanded upon -- and opportunities to explore my skills by thinking outside the box, or trying something new. I enjoy and appreciate the fact that education is very structured with defined goals, but allows for creative freedom in meeting these goals. I appreciate the opportunities to formulate my own lesson plans with goals in mind and meeting the needs of the students in a set class. I believe the benefits far outweigh the negatives of the profession, and leave me in a position with much stability, growth, and increased sense of self-worth, knowing I am contributing to society and to today's youth.

Conclusion

I believe teaching is a rewarding career matching teachers skills with the needs of students to succeed. Teaching has great potential for many individuals to leave a mark on society and benefit their lives and self-worth. Teachers have excellent resources, skills, and tools to achieve their goals and to reach out to numerous students in their careers.

References

American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.