Why I Want to Be a Teacher

I never wanted to be a teacher. And then one day when I was laid off for the second time from a publishing job, I had a change of heart. Throughout my life, I had always wanted to help kids. I had a rough time growing up and honestly, if it weren't for two of my teachers (Mr. Cole in music and Mrs. Dickau in Creative Writing), I'm not sure I would have made it. I was an A student in all my classes, but emotionally, I needed something and someone. And I wanted to be that someone for someone else.

I had always thought that I could do that as a writer, but the older I got, the more I realized that I may actually be able to do that as a teacher. So I applied to a Teacher Certification program and did pretty well with the few classes I took. I enjoyed them and was looking forward to being in the classroom. At the same time, I started substitute teaching. I had heard that the school I was going to be in was pretty tough, but without any experience or training, I believed that all these city kids needed was a friend, and that if I went into the classroom as their buddy, I would get the respect I wanted and they would get their education. I could not have been more wrong.

I gave up my subbing job. I was discouraged and didn't think I had it in me. But I still enjoyed my education classes and was hopeful that going in as a teacher would be very different. Unfortunately, the plan was cut short when I realized that at the time I would not be able to work full time to support myself, pay for school, and meet the student teaching requirement. Consequently, I left the program. However, I didn't leave school. I transferred to the English Department, where I am currently enrolled with a high GPA.

Recently, I faced another lay off from publishing. An opportunity arose to substitute teach at a local middle school, and I figured I would give it one more shot. It was four years later and I had a few more classes under my belt and had spoken to many teachers about actual classroom experience. I still didn't really have any, but I was ready this time.

The short story is that from day one, I have absolutely loved the position. I began the first week of October and have worked three to four days a week since. Sometimes I stand in for a single teacher and other days I float. Almost all days I have lunch duty, and last night I even chaperoned the school talent showcase.

In this short time I've gotten to know the kids and have really come to care about them as individual students. I am there if they need me and I treat them with total respect, but I have also learned how to keep control in a classroom and accomplish lessons. I love to be in front of the class and have active discussions with the students. I love watching their faces when I work individually with them and I can see them start to understand a concept. When they are struggling, I love to encourage them and support them. I've never had a job that I have enjoyed this much and felt like I was really making a difference. I want to make this job full time.

Over time and throughout this most recent experience, I've come to realize that I really do want to be a teacher more than anything. Financially I am able to and mentally, I'm already there. I have gained experience, but still need formal training and certification, and for this exact reason, I am applying to the School of Education. Thank you for considering my admission.