Why Teachers Teach

Anyone who has ever referred to teaching as an easy job has obviously not spent a significant amount of time in an educator's shoes. Teaching can be physically and emotionally taxing as one deals with the problems of large classrooms, motivating and engaging today's students, or working with under involved parents or guardians. Teachers also have to balance their personal control over the classroom environment with external factors like administration demands or standardized testing.

Why would someone choose to teach, knowing that educators are faced with so many challenges? Most teachers believe that they make a difference in students' lives, and that is what makes teaching a rewarding and respected profession. Teachers are responsible for the education of future generations, which is no small feat. Another reward is that you will have a stimulating job that allows you to be a lifelong learner. Add to this the chance to work with interesting people from a variety of backgrounds and the ability to advocate for children and quality education—you can see why many people flock to this career!

Teacher Shana Ashwood explains, "I became a teacher because I have always admired the profession. To have a career where I could impact young lives on a daily basis by serving as a teacher, mentor, and role model was very appealing to me. I was specifically interested in working in a low socioeconomic community because I felt that was where I was most needed. While I was aware that teaching would have its share of challenges, it was the daily sense of accomplishment, the real-world relevance, and the opportunities for continued growth as a professional and as a member of the community that attracted me to the profession."

Famous Americans who Were Once Teachers

John Adams, president
Louisa May Alcott, author
Madeleine Albright, Secretary of State
Chester A. Arthur, president
Clara Barton, founder, American Red Cross
Alexander Graham Bell, inventor
Dan Brown, author
Sheryl Crow, singer/songwriter
Clarence Darrow, lawyer
Amelia Earhart, aviator
Geraldine Ferraro, vice presidential candidate
Abigail Fillmore, first lady
Roberta Flack, singer
Margaret Fuller, social reformer
Art Garfunkel, singer
Andy Griffith, actor
W. C. Handy, blues composer
Warren G. Harding, president
Edith Head, costume designer
Lyndon B. Johnson, president
Janis Joplin, rock star
Stephen King, author
Eugene McCarthy, senator
William McKinley, president
Herman Melville, author
James Michener, author
Anne Murray, singer
Carry Nation, temperance leader
Pat Nixon, first lady
Thomas Paine, patriot
General John Pershing, World War I leader
Susan Elizabeth Phillips, author
Lydia Pinkham, patent medicine manufacturer
Eleanor Roosevelt, first lady
Tim Russert, TV newscaster
Gene Simmons, musician
Mary Church Terrell, social reformer
Strom Thurmond, senator