Why You Should Never Become A Teacher
Picture yourself waking up every day, enthusiastic to face a classroom full of young, energetic, and eager-to-learn students. Imagine molding young minds, helping them discover their potential, and guiding them toward a bright future.
Ah, the noble profession of teaching! It does sound pretty fantastic, doesn’t it? It’s a chance to make a real difference in the world, to truly “give back” to society whilst enjoying some lengthy vacation time.
Yet, there’s another side to teaching that’s less glamorous and more gritty. It’s not all shiny apples and gold stars, no matter what Hollywood might want you to believe. The reality of teaching is that it involves hard work, stress, and the occasional tear (or a lot, depending on the day).
You could be dealing with a lack of resources, demanding parents, unending paperwork, and let’s not forget, dealing with a classroom full of children, each with their own unique challenges.
In the interests of equipping you with a well-rounded perspective, let’s unmask some of the less-often-discussed realities that are part and parcel of a career in teaching.
16 reasons why you shouldn’t become a teacher
1. Low salaries
It’s no secret that teachers aren’t exactly raking in the big bucks. For the amount of work they put in, their compensation often falls short.
Prepping for classes, grading assignments, after-school meetings, parent-teacher conferences – the workload far exceeds the standard 40-hour workweek. Despite this, the pay rarely matches the effort, leaving many teachers struggling to make ends meet.
2. Lack of societal respect
Despite their vital role in shaping future generations, teachers often lack societal respect. A lot of folks might have the impression that teaching is an easy, fallback profession, leading to dismissive attitudes and an overall lack of appreciation for the demanding work teachers do.
3. High stress levels
Teachers operate in a pressure-cooker environment, from dealing with behavioral issues and learning disabilities to managing low school budgets and high expectations. This constant stress can lead to burnout, physical health issues, and even mental health problems.
4. Overcrowded classrooms
A booming student population and lack of sufficient funding often lead to crowded classrooms. This can significantly impact the learning environment, making it harder for teachers to give individual attention and manage the class effectively.
5. Excessive bureaucracy
As a teacher, much of your time might be spent dealing with administrative tasks rather than actual teaching. From handling paperwork to complying with countless regulations, the bureaucracy can often feel stifling.
6. Under a microscope
Teachers are constantly scrutinized by administrators, parents, and students. Every word, action, and decision is analyzed, often leading to excessive criticism and pressure.
7. Limited creative freedom
With an increasing focus on standardized testing, teachers often have little room for creativity in their teaching methods. This test-centric approach can not only lead to a less engaging and more monotonous learning environment for the students, but also a whole bunch of boredom for the teachers.
8. Reduced autonomy
More and more, decisions about curriculum and teaching methods are being made by distant administrators or policymakers – i.e. people who aren’t “on the frontlines”, so to speak, leaving teachers with limited control over their own classrooms.
9. Tense parent-teacher interactions
Let’s not beat around the bush – dealing with parents can often be a minefield. You might encounter parents who are overly critical, insistent on individual attention for their child, or excessively demanding. Navigating these relationships can be a significant challenge, adding another level of complexity to your teaching role.
Navigating sensitive topics like a child’s learning or behavioral issues can be particularly challenging. You’re essentially trying to strike a balance between doing what’s best for the student and keeping the peace with their parents. It can sometimes feel like you’re walking a tightrope, where the slightest misstep could lead to strained relationships.
The end result? Your energy could be diverted away from your main job – teaching – and more towards managing parent expectations.
10. Personal expense
It’s no secret that many schools operate under tight budgets, which can leave classrooms lacking in necessary supplies. As a teacher, you might often find yourself caught between the school’s budget constraints and your desire to provide the best learning environment for your students.
This reality often results in teachers dipping into their own pockets to supplement classroom resources. From basic supplies like pencils and notebooks to more specific teaching aids and materials, be prepared for some out-of-pocket expenses.
11. Work doesn’t end at the bell
Teachers don’t clock out when the school day ends. Evenings and weekends are often spent grading, planning lessons, and prepping materials. Additionally, those “summer vacations” are often filled with professional development or planning for the upcoming school year.
12. Politics in education
The interplay of politics and education can place a considerable burden on teachers. At its heart, teaching is about guiding students, but teachers often have to grapple with politics. Changes in education policies and political intervention can make it challenging to maintain consistency and effectiveness in their teaching.
13. Burnout
The combined pressures of teaching – high workload, emotional strain, societal disrespect, and more – can lead to a high rate of burnout. Many teachers leave the profession within the first five years due to the intensity of the job.
14. Working in a failing system
Many education systems around the world are underfunded and undervalued, leading to insufficient resources, low morale, and a less effective learning environment. Teachers, as the frontline workers in these systems, bear the brunt of these issues.
15. Dealing with unruly students
One of the less glamorous aspects of teaching is handling disruptive, sometimes aggressive, students. The dream of a perfectly harmonious classroom can quickly evaporate when faced with the daily realities of student conflicts and disciplinary issues.
It’s not unheard of for these situations to escalate to alarming levels. For example, in January 2023, a teacher in Virginia, USA, was shot by one of her 6-year-old students following a dispute. Yep, a 6-year-old!
Navigating such challenging behaviors can significantly increase the stress and complexity of a teaching role.
16. Inflexible vacation time
While teachers are known to have long vacations, these breaks are set in stone and offer little flexibility. This can make planning trips, attending events, or scheduling appointments a real challenge, as everything has to revolve around the school calendar.
Although not a deal-breaker for some, for those who value flexibility in their work schedule, it could be a significant downside of the profession.
Final word
I know what you’re thinking, “I’ve signed up to be an educator, not a politician, accountant, or diplomat!” Well, if you thought teaching was all about inspiring young minds and grading papers, I hate to burst your bubble. It’s a multifaceted gig that involves a lot more than meets the eye.
But hey, don’t let me scare you off completely, if this is something you really want to do. Just remember, forewarned is forearmed. Going into the profession with your eyes wide open to both the joys and the challenges might make you a better, more resilient teacher in the end. And the world sure as heck needs more of those!