My previous post made some of my followers sad. Please don't worry, this is not another sad and tragic story. The video clip relates a story of inspiration, love and success. Please take time to watch this video.
Not everyone knows that I am a part time educator. Aside from my eight hour office job, I teach Economics subjects to college students. Teaching was one of my silent dreams. When I finished college, I wanted to pursue a career in teaching. My alma mater rejected my application and advised me to pursue my graduate studies first. I set aside that dream and pursued a career in the field of research. Unknown to most people, research offers diversified opportunities. From medical research, business research and recently, the growing field of research careers in data science.
When I earned a stable job, I immediately pursued my graduate studies. My waiting paid off because right after I earned my MBA, I was given a part time teaching stint.
I learned a lot from my three years of teaching. Dealing with different personalities, talking while no one is listening, pushing my students to comply with my requirements and even being disrespected by conceited kids in front of the class. I in fact learned the art of becoming immune from these negativities.
Teaching is not a financially rewarding job. At least in my country, I can attest that teaching is the most stressful yet underpaid careers. But come to think of it, there are still a lot of Filipinos who are willing to teach. There are still Filipinos who are willing to take the risk of stress in an underrated career.
I guess the honor, respect and prestige of being an educator is more than enough wealth. Respect is way more valuable than money. It is earned way different and difficult than money. This I feel is the main reason why there are still teachers. There are still people who believe that a real career is not measured by all those monetary returns.
To see your students succeed and knowing the fact that you are part of such achievement is a priceless reward for a teacher. But for me the best reward I could receive from teaching is the lifelong respect and warm words of appreciation from a student.
I love your last paragraph. I am a former literature and language teacher, and one of my students wrote me a letter from college. She wrote how whe hated me in high school, but loved me in college because I had prepared her for college English. I was a little shocked because I thought she was such a sweet young lady...and she had hated me....but in all fairness, I was a strict teacher, and I worked my students hard!
ReplyDeleteSuper post, Diane!
*I meant "she" instead of "whe"*
ReplyDeleteAs in your country,teaching is seriously underpaid and unrewarded career here as well. And yet the future of our nation depends on the education of our little ones. As always I am grateful for people like you and those other teacher who have crossed my path and my children's path for they have changed us forever. Thank you for what you do!
ReplyDeleteHi Diane,
ReplyDeleteteaching is underpaid her also.
A couple of years ago I did part-time tutoring, which is similar to teaching in many ways.
I'm sure you are quite empathic to understand the different needs of each individual. Your students are very lucky to have you as a teacher! Don't give up on your dreams!!!
I have always thought that being a teacher is one of the hardest jobs, but it must be so rewarding :) I have been a teachers assistant for a few years now & I don't know how you guys do it everyday!!
ReplyDeleteHi Diane!
ReplyDeleteI was a elementary teacher (First & Third grade here is the US) for 12 years, before I decided to stay home when my son was born a little over 2 years ago. I have always felt that teaching in the US is not only underpaid but lacks some respect I see in other countries. We definitely don't do it for the loads of cash...but for the hearts & lives of our students. Being "Mommy" is number one with me - BUT, I sure do miss the classroom!! :)