Making the most of teaching
I was spoilt for choice when it came to topics to write about this week. The internal ‘rogue’ marker leaking SATs papers the day before they were due to be released tickled me, almost as much as the government saying that this would have no ‘real’ effect on the overall standings. And then I thought, maybe I could write my blog on the giant ‘U’ turn the government have taken in selecting to keep schools now rather than replacing them with academies, that seemed such a good idea at the time… poor old Mr Cameron… can he get anything correct? Let’s ask the Nigerian and Afghan presidents, or what is left of the steel companies and other industries! But no, I’m steering clear of politics. So I had a look on good old TES website… what’s the latest news on there? You’ve guessed it… SATs and yet even more suicidal teachers!
So I am going to write 5 reasons why I love teaching and how to make the most of it.
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The Children
The children are the reason that you teach. You want to see them aspire and nurture them into little Mozarts, or Darwins, or Shakespears, or Carol Vordermans, or any other subject that you passionately teach. I can always remember my favourite teachers from school, and making the lessons enjoyable for your little ones, whilst they learn, can only be positive. Each child has their own personality they bring to the class room, and as a teacher, you do notice when a child is missing or if there is a change in them… that’s what it’s all about. So build good teacher-student relationships, have banter, nurture them, make the most of it before they leave your class.
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The Teachers
The teachers are all in the same place you are. If you get on well with them, the job is even more rewarding. You can chat to them about the children, everyday life, anything. Little chats and jokes with teachers can get you through rubbish days at school… Fact! So make friends with the teachers.
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The Job
If you are an unkindled spirit, teaching can be the ideal job for you. I’ve been working peripatetic and guaranteed no day is ever the same. There are always sudden changes and it is how you adapt to those changes that can be the difference from having a good day and a dodgy one. So always be prepared! The rewards of seeing a child produce an awesome piece of work are limitless. To see a child do something they couldn’t do before until now, because you taught them, very satisfying and quite humbling.
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The Wages
There is no deny, everyone likes to be on a good wage. Teaching can offer great wages, although many would argue with me that the hours a full-time teacher has to work does not compensate for the wage that they earn. However, a long while ago, I had to briefly ‘sign on’. Going from the destitute benefit handouts I was living on each week, to a half decent monthly teaching wage was a massive difference. I remember my first teacher wage coming through at the end of the month… I was like a child in a sweetshop! If you start off with nothing, I believe you appreciate it more when you do get it.
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The Routine
The strange thing with teaching is that it is so structured and routine, even though the actual teaching days themselves can throw up anything. Time-wise, the school day has specific times for each lesson with designated break and lunch times in between. Most teachers have a set home time too, even if they end up staying longer. And the holidays, half-terms, inset days and such like are given to you at the beginning of the schooling year, thus giving you a little planning time for those days you are not in school… not many jobs do that!
So make the most of it all!
What five things do you most love about teaching? Share them with us…