Is it wrong to lie about the real reason I went into teaching?

[Ryn_Tin_10]

Before you judge me, please read all the details. When people ask me why I became a teacher I say that I used to be be an education reporter and have always had a love of learning and school.

The truth is, teaching was/is not my dream. I've always wanted to be a writer. So I majored in Journalism in college. I worked at a newspaper for about two years and HATED everyday of it. I worked 7 days a week over ten hours a day. People were underhanded and sneaky.

So I quit my job and became a teacher because I thought it would be an easy field (shockingly it's MUCH easier than reporting) and I like children.

Shockingly, I'm pretty good at it and my students are thriving.
Stacie-s Mom: You definately DON'T have it going on in terms of knowing wtf you are talking about with teaching.

Have you ever been a Journalist? Have you ever gotten up at 4 a.m. so that you can drive two hours to cover a court case?

Have you ever had to write 10 stories in 3 days?

Have you ever repeatedly cancelled a dinner date with an old friend because stories kept coming up?

Have you ever had to write articles on your vacation because another reporter didn't pick up the slack?

I didn't think so.

Stick to being a Mom
Lily: Yet another clueless teacher. Each story has to go through a revision process. You also have to arrange to have photos to accompany the story based on the contact AND photographers schedule and fill out a request.

Then your editor has to edit the story and send it back to you for revision. Then they revise it again. THEN it goes to the big editor. They add about ten questions to the story, which require you to reestablish contact with the person you interviewed to answer those questions

THEN it's revised again.

Also you have to write a certain number of inches, which so those ignorant like yourself, means you have to have the most information in the smallest number of words.

I can't believe people who teach are so IGNORANT

[Dochartaigh]

I don't think so.

As long as your real reason isn't something like you are really a child molester and this career places you in a position to act on your mental illness, then I think it does not matter why you are teaching. If you are doing it well, and students are benefiting then I don't care about your motives.

Jobs often have to do with ones ability and having a certain skill set, not a dream and/or a passion.

Good luck

[anoldmick]

So you're good at it, eh? Be careful and don't sprain your shoulder reaching around to pat yourself on the back...

[Stacie's Mom]

Sorry, but you probably aren't very good at it if it is SHOCKINGLY easier than what you did before. Great job...thanks for perpetuating the myth that teaching is easy and anyone can do it. Why don't you go into what you really love and leave the teaching jobs for those that really want them?

[Lily]

I work 7 days a week. If I'm not "at work" working, I have things to do at home over the weekend to plan for my kids.

Teachers don't get days off. You're the teacher whether you are at church or at Wal-Mart buying beer. You are a teacher if you are kayaking down the local river or biking around the neighborhood. You are always on duty and parent conferences can happen in the grocery store parking lot or at the ball park... or at the Mexican restaurant when you just want a little margarita.

I wouldn't imagine that a journalist would have to always be carefully judging their character... because teachers are always role models and they are always being watched by the community.

People are underhanded and sneaky at my school. All workplaces have people that are sneaky and underhanded. Once again, your character will determine how you handle working with those people.



Maybe you weren't cut out to be a teacher. I didn't think I was. I was completely wrong. I began my college education with a scholarship in engineering. I changed my major because it just didn't fit. Growing up I NEVER wanted to be a teacher. My dad is a surgeon, my sister is a pharmacist, and my mother is a biologist. I wanted to be something "big" as well. Well, after getting into the engineering classes, it just didn't fit. I changed my major to education. Not only did it fit, I love the classes, I loved working with kids, and I love to help others. I can't imagine doing anything else.

I love the fact that I always get to do something new with my kids and I get to find the best way to help them learn. However, I work all the time. I DO have to cancel meetings with friends because of the time I need to spend getting lessons ready for my students. There are enless mounds of paperwork that must be done. With all the things that happen in a classroom, 10 stories in three days is cake!
Teaching science, and social studies I am always looking for hands-on activities and demonstrations for my kids. That takes money to have the materials for and time to set them up ready for kids. Every minute of my lesson must be thought through so that I don't waste my precious teaching time. I work my tail off for my job.

I don't think it's shocking that my students are learning. That's my job. I've got to make that happen.

In spite of all the negative aspects that make my job difficult, I still love it and don't want to be doing anything else.
Do I think teaching is an easy field? I wouldn't say it's easy. I'd say it fits me.

Maybe you just weren't a good reporter.

[Daphne C]

If your students are thriving and you are enjoying the work, I would not worry about whether your reasons for going into the field fit the mold.

Here's an idea to use for answering the question about why you became a teacher:

"I wanted to try something new when I became disillusioned with the field of journalism. And then, I just fell in love with teaching, so here I am!"

Nothing else need be said.

All the best to you.

[holly]

No you are not obliged to tell people your business.