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Kevin Onabiyi

Why I became a science teacher: I want to raise the aspirations of my students

My first introduction to teaching was, of all things, dance. I was in Finland doing an internship in the third year of my degree in microbiology at Surrey University . One of my friends taught a dance class and when she went away she persuaded me to cover for her. I didn't have any connection to teaching dance or any training. Luckily I can actually dance pretty well and absolutely loved teaching this dance class to young people aged 11 and up.

But, as I was in the middle of my science degree, I came back home, did my last year at uni and then I got a job in research. I found it so boring, and I realised a career in microbiological research just wasn't going to be for me. I needed to find out what I was going to do with my life, so I had the idea that maybe I could do some supply teaching and teach a couple of days a week and spend the rest of the time investigating my real career.

I was so disappointed to realise doing supply teaching meant doing a PGCE as I really thought I'd had enough of learning. So, rather reluctantly, I applied for a PGCE and got a last minute place at Goldsmiths . As science was a shortage subject I got funding and because I'd applied so late the course had already started so I had to play catch up.

It wasn't until I started my first placement, at Sarah Bonnell school in Stratford, that I got the teaching bug. I found I loved the kids so much and discovered a real drive to help to change lives. I knew the power of a good education, I'd had a great one myself – first at private school in Nigeria then secondary school in an inner London comprehensive, Central Foundation Boys school .

My Nigerian family placed such a high emphasis on education, it was an absolute given that you'd work hard in school and go to university. I realised the kids I was teaching needed this kind of help to develop their drive as well – and they weren't all getting as much help from home. They needed their teachers in order to have a great start in life. Teaching was something I really loved – forget the supply teaching, I'd actually found the career I'd been searching for.

I got the first job I applied for, teaching science at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (EGA), a girls school in north London. I'm the kind of person who likes to have a goal, so I decided to teach at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson for five years and then go for a job as head of year in another school, as I realised almost straight away that the pastoral side of the job was my particular interest.

So that was the plan, but just two years later I got the job as head of year. My teaching load was reduced to 42 periods every two weeks to give me time to do the pastoral side of the role with years 8 and 9. Year 8 is a pivotal time at school and there can often be a dip in attitude after the novelty of year 7 has worn off and it's time to work harder. I worked to embed a motto in my students' hearts – that there is no excuse for failure, and that is true in every area from punctuality, attendance, behaviour, attainment and involvement.

When a new headteacher came to EGA, she decided to reorganise our systems so one head would stay with the same year group of children take them all through the school up until year 11. So then I realised then I needed to learn about pastoral care for key stage four, there was so much to learn and I found it so interesting that I wanted to stay at EGA.

Last year I became associate assistant head and in charge of teaching and learning for the whole school and the pastoral side of supporting other year heads in the school. This has been a wonderful challenge. I also lead student voice and the seniors (EGA's version of prefects). Throughout all this time I have been teaching science as well which I am passionate about.

So, my top tips for teachers just starting their careers is enjoy the kids you're teaching. Sometimes they are so hard to get on with but if you love the people you serve, you put everything into it. This is especially true in schools in inner London where sometimes the support and care from parents isn't quite there and so what happens in school becomes so much more important.

Also be in love with your subject you are teaching. Teaching isn't just a job, really you can't just go to work and plod through the day – children's lives are involved.

For me the best thing is just seeing the kids come in without much of a clue. They are not independent learners, they are not resilient, they are unable to do research and then watching them learn life skills, you see the growing up into fine young adults before your eyes. That never stops being exciting for me. For me teaching is about giving my students the tools and then letting them go and create. I think my science background really informs what I do in this respect.

I share the story of my life with my students, how I came from Nigeria to go to university, what happened to me in Finland – this is real life. I think it helps inspire my students to make the most of their lives.

Kevin Onabiyi is associate assistant head and science teacher at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson school in north London.

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What’s it really like to be a science teacher?

Mark Jordan

Tell us about your experiences so we (and others) can better represent and support you

2022’s Science Teaching Survey gathered detailed insights from over 3700 practising teachers and technicians across the UK and Ireland. These responses helped us to gain a picture of the health of our science teaching community – some of the rewards and positive aspects that contribute to great science teaching, but also the many challenges that affect learning outcomes, teacher well-being and career choices. Our 2023 survey has just launched and we’d love to hear from you – and learn from you – again.

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Source: © Girafchik123/Getty Images

How satisfied are you with your working life? Tell us in the Science Teaching Survey

Last year’s Science Teaching Survey gathered detailed insights from over 3700 practising teachers and technicians across the UK and Ireland (rsc.li/3Nc55V2). These helped us to gain a picture of the health of our science teaching community – some of the rewards and positive aspects that contribute to great science teaching, but also the many challenges that affect learning outcomes, teacher well-being and career choices. Our 2023 survey has just launched and we’d love to hear from you – and learn from you – again.

As a learned society we are often asked for our expert opinion on themes that will inform government policy. Requests tend to come at short notice and with challenging deadlines, so having detailed and robust evidence close at hand is critical to providing quick and compelling responses.

Most recently we provided written evidence to the Education select committee on teacher recruitment, training and retention. In asking policy influencers to do more to reduce teacher workload we were able to provide evidence from 2022’s survey showing that workload and burnout have a major bearing on teachers considering leaving the profession.

Real voices make for the most compelling evidence, particularly when they represent a whole community

Another request to policymakers is for a systematic approach to CPD throughout a science teacher’s career. From last year’s survey we know that under half of secondary science teachers feel they have adequate access to high-quality subject-specific PD.

Some of the findings formed the basis of news articles in trusted papers and magazines, helping to raise the profile of the issues with a broader audience. And within the RSC I regularly hear my team members using the findings from the survey findings to help improve how we support members of the science education community.

The 2023 survey

This year’s survey is now live. It builds on some themes from last year, like access to CPD, your well-being and job satisfaction. But it also investigates new areas such as the inclusivity of our curriculums, understanding of vocational pathways and how subject experts are deployed.

This year’s survey is now live: bit.ly/43WH3nf. It builds on some themes from last year, like access to CPD, your well-being and job satisfaction. But it also investigates new areas such as the inclusivity of our curriculums, understanding of vocational pathways and how subject experts are deployed.

When your invitation arrives, please make time to share your experiences, insights and big asks – real voices make for the most compelling evidence, particularly when they represent a whole community. It’s our mission to make sure your voices are heard loud and clear to inform better choices for the future.

Mark Jordan, RSC head of education

The Science Teaching Survey 2023 has now closed. Read the 2022 survey results and don’t forget to check back for the 2023 results.

This article was updated 16 June 2023. 

Mark Jordan

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6 Simple But Inspiring Reasons To Become A Science Teacher

why i want to be a science teacher essay

Life is full of new wonders for kids, and teachers (aside from parents) have the wonderful role of fostering curiosity and encouraging the pursuit of understanding.

This is potentially no more important than in the realm of science, where an understanding of the phenomenon that creates and dictates the course of life as we know it is cultivated in the minds of future engineers, chemists, biologists, and more. 

If you’ve got at least a Graduate Certificate in Education and are wondering what area you may like to teach, then let us give you six simple, but inspiring reasons to become a science teacher!

1 – Science Is In Everything

We are stardust that has attained consciousness and self-awareness through billions of years of evolution. The Earth’s core is made of molten iron, which generates a magnetic field that protects it from the sun’s solar winds. Deja Vu is caused by dysfunctional connections between the left and right hemispheres of your brain.

Aside from being massively interesting, can you pick out the common element between those three facts? They all come from different branches of science, but they all relate to elements of life that are common to everyone in the world. Everyone is descended from a line of life that came from the raw materials that formed in the nuclear synthesis of the dying stars that created our planet. Without the iron core’s magnetic field, we would have all been burned away by solar storms. Deja Vu is not a glitch in the Matrix, it’s a common neurological symptom.

When you study the sciences, you study the building blocks of reality. When you teach the sciences you pass that understanding on to the people that will go on to study them further and make the discoveries that will shift our understanding of life itself. 

2 – Science Is A Buffet

You know how you go to those all-you-can-eat establishments where you pay $30 and can just eat whatever you want, however much you want, for as long as you want? Science can be like that. For just about every branch of life, there’s a scientific study behind it. 

Do you like animals? You could consider specialising in  Zoology . Interested in life and how it grows and thrives? Then Biology might be for you. Are you weirdly interested in Mushrooms? There’s Mycology . Is space your thing? Cosmology. Want to know how things work? Engineering. Interested in cultures past, present, and future? Anthropology. 

For just about every interest or passion, there is a branch of the scientific realm that accommodates it. And although as a teacher, you’re probably going to be dealing with a broad, umbrella-esque approach to science aimed at introducing people to their potential future careers. You just need to get them through the door, collect their investment and let them gorge themselves on whatever they like.

3 – Avenues For Interactivity

Perhaps the coolest thing about scientific study is that it provides boundless opportunities for interactivity and physical, practical experiments. Many of us don’t have a large amount of scientific knowledge, but we all remember the super interesting and fun moments that the truly special teachers gave us at school.

It can be difficult to come up with interesting practical exercises for things like English and Mathematics. But Science has boundless room for passionate teachers to create truly marvellous classroom experiences. Much like this classroom scene from Breaking Bad , the sciences provide endless opportunities for incredible experiments .

4 – Encourages Critical Thinking

A scientist applies the scientific method in order to unravel the mysteries of our world. The scientific method is based on the most detailed form of critical thinking, which is needed now more than ever. Critical thinking allows people to do thorough research, apply contextual knowledge, and examine facts free of confirmation bias; the conscious (or unconscious) search or belief in information that proves a pre-existing opinion/point of view. These are not only important skills, but necessary for rational adults able to apply self-learning, and constantly grow and develop.

5 – Science Fosters Creativity

We have a tendency to think of science as cold and logical. It is the “is” and “is not” of the world. However, things are rarely that simple, and rather than “is” and “is not”, it may be worth looking at science as “what could be.” 

In fact, it seems many people, particularly creatives, take this interpretation of scientific knowledge to heart. Science is shown to foster creative endeavours . Science demands risk-taking, analytical thinking, and exposure to new knowledge. These factors are also inherent traits in artists, writers, musicians, designers, and more. The impressionist art style is directly concerned with a scientific analysis of light and how it interacts with the world. 

6 – Life Is A Quest For Knowledge

Perhaps the most important reason, there is so much in the world to search for and know. It is shallow and reductive when Hollywood portrays “base human instincts” as viciousness and depravity. Since the earliest days of humanity, we have strived to learn . We desire knowledge in everything we do. We learn about our earth, we learn about each other, we learn about ourselves. Life is a never-ending quest for knowledge. As a scientific teacher, you’ll be singularly placed to answer that quest for many budding adventurers.

Daniel Reed

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5 characteristics of an effective science teacher – from a researcher who trains them

why i want to be a science teacher essay

Assistant Professor of Science Education, Mercer University

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Meenakshi Sharma does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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Rather than have students memorize definitions and facts about a science topic such as light, an effective first grade teacher today would have students investigate various types of objects under sunlight and flashlight. Students would collect evidence to understand how light helps them see, and they’d experiment with different materials to understand how and why shadows are made .

This shift is a result of the Next Generation Science Standards , which aim to define a uniform vision for K-12 science education across the country. Introduced in 2013, the standards move away from emphasizing scientific vocabulary and facts recorded in textbooks to using real-world phenomena to explore and explain the natural world. These phenomena engage students in a set of science and engineering practices , or SEPs. Over 40 states have adopted the Next Generation standards or some version of them.

Despite the wide adoption of these standards, the current status of elementary school science education is concerning. The nation’s report card shows that many students in grades K-5 do not get quality science instruction. The situation is worse in high-poverty school districts . The majority of instructional time in elementary school grades is often dedicated to math and language arts , with science on the back burner.

As a science education researcher and a teacher educator, my goal is to help prepare the next generation of science teachers. Here are five attributes of an effective elementary school science teacher that align with the new standards.

1. Nurtures student curiosity

Kids are curious by nature. Science teachers should use relevant everyday events as a basis of science instruction that fosters interest and curiosity . This approach encourages students to take a more active role in figuring out how natural events work instead of being taught those lessons by an instructor.

For instance, in this video , a teacher poses an interesting query to students: How did a water puddle disappear over time? During a subsequent experiment, students used thermometers to measure the temperature of a water puddle outside at different times of the day. They used the data to make connections between temperature changes and the shrinking size of the puddle and delve into the reasoning behind it.

In this case, the teacher involved students in scientific practices and used an everyday occurrence to teach key scientific concepts such as sunlight, energy and energy transfer.

2. Encourages scientific thinking

Effective science teachers involve students in making sense of natural events and the science ideas underlying them. In other words, they actively engage students in wondering and figuring out science phenomena around them and how they happen. They help students develop exploratory questions and hypotheses to explain such events, and encourage them to test and refine their explanations based on scientific evidence.

For example, when a first grade classroom was learning about how day and night happen , students illustrated their own understanding of the phenomena – using a scientific practice called modeling. As they learned more and more, they kept revising their drawings. They also collected long-term data to understand the repeating patterns of day and night.

Teachers should also ensure that all students participate in making sense of science phenomena in their classrooms.

To share their ideas about a science phenomenon, students often rely on their personal experiences and native languages from their homes and communities . For instance, a student from an agricultural community might have particular knowledge about plant growth and unique local language to describe it. An effective science teacher provides opportunities to build on such native experiences and local knowledge in their science classrooms.

3. Develops scientific literacy

Teachers who plan lessons according to the current standards aim to develop scientifically literate young citizens who can identify, evaluate and understand scientific arguments underlying local and global issues.

They also use socioscientific issues in their instruction. Socioscientific issues are local or global phenomena that can be explained by science and signify social and political problems. For example, students might make sense of the scientific information underlying the current COVID-19 crisis and make arguments for how and why vaccination is important for their communities. Other examples of socioscientific issues are climate change, genetic engineering and pollution from oil spills.

4. Integrates science with other subjects

Teaching science with an interdisciplinary approach – that is to say, using math, technology, language arts and social studies to make sense of science phenomena – can lead to rich and rigorous learning experiences.

For example, teachers can integrate math by having students create visual charts and graphs to explain their experimental or observation data. Technology integration in the form of games and simulations in science classrooms can help students picture complex science ideas. Incorporating reading and comprehension strategies in science can bolster students’ ability to read critically for scientific ideas and evidence.

5. Uses classroom assessments to support student learning

A science teacher who is interested in students’ ideas will design and use classroom-based assessments that reveal students’ science thinking. They do not use closed-ended assessments that require yes or no answers, textbook-style definitions or lists of scientific facts. Instead, they use open-ended, phenomenon-based assessments that give students a chance to show their understanding.

For example, a fifth grade assessment presents students with a story of an Australian ecosystem and prompts them to use modeling to explain relationships between different components of the ecosystem. Such an assessment encourages students to explain how a process happens instead of recalling information.

Effective science teachers do not evaluate students’ responses for right and wrong answers. They interpret and evaluate students’ scientific explanations to understand strengths and gaps in their learning and use this information to adapt future instruction.

Teachers who are prepared to implement these five evidence-based practices can potentially involve all students in their classroom in meaningful science learning.

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19 Top Ideas for a “Why I want to be a Teacher” Essay

Here are the 19 best reasons you would want to be a teacher that you can include in your essay:

  • To help children learn more effectively.
  • To ensure children have positive mentors.
  • To improve children’s lives.
  • To help future generations solve the problems of today.
  • To help the future generations become good citizens.
  • To inspire future generations to create a more equal world.
  • To give back to the community I grew up in.
  • To be a part of helping my community thrive.
  • To be a part of my community’s decision-making processes.
  • Because you have the patience for working with children.
  • Because you have compassion for children.
  • Because you want to learn from children.
  • Because you’re enthusiastic about learning.
  • Because you are a generous person.
  • Because you’re interested in learning how to teach difficult students.
  • Because you’re interested in learning how to work with difficult parents.
  • Because you’re interested in learning diverse strategies for teaching,
  • Because you’re interested in learning to master classroom management.
  • Because you’re interested in learning what works and what doesn’t in teaching.

The ‘Why I want to be a teacher’ essay is all about showing you have thought in-depth about what a teacher does and what their role is in society. It’s also about showing you think you’d be a good person to conduct that role.

The 9 Tips are split into five categories. You can scan this whole post or browse through the categories here:

This essay is hard to get right.

Most students write the exact same thing as one another with the same old cliché statements like “because I love kids” (ugh, wrong answer!). If you do this, your teacher will just give you an average grade (or worse).

You need your essay on “why you want to be a teacher” to be different – indeed excellent – so it stands out for your teacher.

I’ll show you how.

Why should you listen to me? Well, I’ve been teaching university students in education departments for 8 years. In that time I’ve marked several thousand essays by people aiming to become teachers. I know what essays get top marks and which ones are average. I also know exactly what mistakes students make that make their essays seem … dull.

So, let me get you started out by introducing 19 points that you should make in your essay on why you want to be a teacher. I’ll break these 19 points down into 5 separate categories. Check them out below.

Read Also: Is Being a Teacher Worth It? (Why I Quit a Good Job)

1. Definitely do not say “because kids are fun”. Do this instead.

The word ‘fun’ is a big red flag for markers. Too many people want to become teachers because they think it would be a fun profession. Or, they might think that they want to help children have fun . No, no, no.

This is an incorrect answer in your essay about why you want to become a teacher.

Yes, teaching is fun a lot of the time. And it is really nice to see students having fun based on activities you’ve set for them.

But society isn’t paying you to have fun, or even to make children have fun. You’re not going to be a child minder, aunt, uncle or clown. You’re going to be a professional who has a bigger social purpose than having fun.

Now, a lot of students say to me “But, students learn more when they’re having fun.” Sure, that might be true – but it’s not a central reason for teaching.

If making learning more fun is genuinely a reason why you decided to become a teacher, then you need to frame it in a way that shows the importance of teaching for the good of students. Here’s three better ways to say ‘because kids are fun’; for each on, we can start with “I want to become a teacher because…”:

  • I want to help children learn more effectively. You could say something like: …When I was in school, learning was hard and I therefore hated teaching. There were a lot of teachers who seemed uninspired and uninterested in whether their children are learning. I was inspired to become a teacher so I could help children like myself to learn in ways that are engaging, motivating and inspiring.
  • I want to ensure children have positive mentors. You could say something like: …Many children in the world don’t have positive mentors at home. A teacher is often the one person in a child’s life who is a stable mentor that the child can lean upon. I chose to become a teacher because I believe all children need a positive mentor that instils in them an interest in the world and a belief that they can make something of themselves.
  • I want to improve children’s lives. You could say something like: …Being a teacher will give me the power to make children’s lives better. Learning opens doors to new opportunities, ways of thinking and paths in life that children wouldn’t have had before me. I am inspired by the idea of helping a child who is sad, uncertain and lacks confidence to see their own potential for creating a fulfilling life for themselves.

All three of those ideas still skirt around the idea that helping children have fun is something you want to see happen, but they also point out that there’s something deeper here than the idea that children should have fun: they should have fun for a reason. That reason could be so they learn more, develop an interest in the world, or see that their lives are full of potential.

Note that in my three examples above, I never used the word ‘fun’: it’s too much of a red flag for your markers.

2. Explain how teaching helps the world! Here’s how.

Have you ever heard someone say that ‘Teaching is a noble profession’? Well, it is. And this is something you really should be talking about in your essay on why you want to become a teacher.

Your teacher will be impressed by your understanding that teaching is a profession that keeps the world turning. Without teachers, where would we be? Probably back in the dark ages where people couldn’t read or write, technology wasn’t advancing very quickly at all, and people mostly lived in ignorance of their world.

So, being a teacher is has a bigger social purpose. As a teacher, you’ll be an important piece of society. You’ll be one of the army of tens – no, hundreds – of thousands of people helping future generations to propel our world towards better days. Below are some ways teaching helps the world. You can start these off with “I want to become a teacher because…”

  • I want to help future generations solve the problems of today. Being a teacher gives you the opportunity to propel students to greater heights. The children in your classrooms will be the people who solve climate change (oh, goodness, I hope so!), create the technologies to make our lives more comfortable, and get us out of the ecological, economic and political messes we seem to have gotten ourselves into!
  • I want to help the future generations become good citizens. There’s a concept called the ‘ hidden curriculum ’. This concept points to the fact that children learn more at school than what’s in the tests. They also learn how to get along, manners, democratic values and the importance of sharing. These soft skills are more than just a by-product of education. They’re incredibly important for showing our students how to get along in our society.
  • I want to inspire future generations to create a more equal world. A lot of what we talk about at school are moral issues: what’s the right and wrong thing to do? How do our actions ensure or hinder equality of races, genders and social classes? As a teacher, you will be instilling in children the idea that the decisions they make will lead to a more or less equal world. And of course, we all want a more equal world for our children.

These points are some higher-order points that will help you teacher see that you’re becoming a teacher for more than ‘fun’. You’re becoming a teacher because you see the noble purpose in teaching. If you do this right, you’ll surely impress your teacher.

3. Discuss your commitment to community. Here’s how.

Teachers are at the center of communities. Parents take their children to school, drop them off, then go to work. They busily get on with their jobs: architect, shop assistant, nurse, builder, and so on… Then, they all come back at the end of the day to collect their children from school.

School is one of the few things that brings all of these different members of a community together. Parents gather around the pick up location to gather their kids, and there they stand around and chat about sports and politics and community issues.

School is at the heart of community.

And you, as a teacher, will be one of the respected members of that community: there to serve all the members of the community by helping to raise their children with the values of the community in which you live.

You can talk about this as a central reason why you want to be a teacher. How about you start off with: “I want to become a teacher because…”

  • I want to give back to the community I grew up in. You could say …I grew up in a close-knit community where we all looked out for one another. Being a teacher will give me the opportunity to give back to my friends and mentors in the town who need someone to raise their children who they trust will do a great job.
  • I want to be a part of helping my community thrive. You could talk about how you are from a growing community that needs good quality, respectable people who will educate future members of your community. As a teacher, you will be at the heart of ensuring your local town remains a great place to live.
  • I want to be a part of my community’s decision-making processes. Teachers hold a certain authority: they know how students learn, and they usually have a very deep understanding of what is best for children in order to ensure they thrive. You can talk about how you want to become a person with deep knowledge about the children in your community so you can help guide you community’s decisions around how to raise their young people.

Note that in this group of ideas, ‘community’ represents the close-knit town in which you live, whereas in point 2, I talked about ‘society’, which was the bigger picture of the future of our nation or world rather than just your town.

4. Discuss the personality traits you think you can bring to the role. Here’s how.

You should show how you have reflected on the requirements of the role of teaching and thought about whether you have the personality traits that are required.

Why? Well, you need to be able to show that you know what being a teacher is all about… and that you think you’d be good at it.

So, let’s dive in to 5 personality traits that teachers have, and how you can show you have those traits:

  • Patience. Patience is an enormously popular skill for teachers to have. You’ll have kids who just don’t understand concepts one iota, and you’ve got to sit there and work with them until they get it. It’s tedious, let me tell you!
  • Compassion. Patience and compassion go hand-in-hand. If you don’t feel empathy for the kid who’s struggling super hard at learning, you’ll get pretty mad and just give up. You might also say some mean things to the kid! So, compassion is really necessary if you want to become a good teacher.
  • Open minded. Teachers always need to be learning new things. We often talk about the importance of learning with students more than directly teaching If you set a student a task, you’ll be sending them out to gather as much information on the topic as possible. They’ll often come back with new knowledge and you will want to praise them for teaching you something new.
  • Enthusiasm. Let me tell you, when it’s Wednesday afternoon in the middle of a hot school week and everyone’s depressed and flat there’s one person to rally the troops: you! Teachers need to wake up every morning, put their happy face on, and march into the classroom with boundless enthusiasm. It’ll motivate your students and make them feel welcome in the learning environment.
  • Generosity. You need to be generous with your time and praise. You need to be constantly thinking about the students in your care and doing anything you can to help them learn, instil in them a love of learning, and give them the confidence to try anything. Teachers need to be very generous people.

There’s a ton more traits that make a good teacher that you can talk about. These are just a few. Go forth and learn more, and add them to your essay!

5. Conclude with the things you still need to learn. Here’s how.

One more thing: good teachers are constantly learning. As someone studying to be a teacher, you need to remember that there’s a long way to go before you have all the answers. Heck, I’ve been a teacher for nearly a decade and I’m not even half way towards knowing everything about being a good teacher.

So, conclude your essay by highlighting that you understand what the role of a teacher is in society and the key competencies required of a teacher; but then go further and mention your enthusiasm to learn more about the profession over the coming years.

Here’s 5 things you can mention that you still need to learn:

  • How to teach difficult students. Some students hate school – mostly because of their terrible experiences in the past. You need to learn to get through to difficult students, and this takes time and patience to learn the art of inspiring the uninspired.
  • How to work with difficult parents. Oh boy, you’ll have a lot of these. You can highlight this as one of the key things you want to work on in the coming years: again, you’ll need to draw on that skill of patience (as well as the skill of diplomacy ) when it comes time to deal with an angry parent.
  • Diverse strategies for teaching. There are a lot of different ways to go about teaching. Over the years you’ll pick up on the various strategies and tricks different teachers have to help children learn.
  • Classroom management. This is one of the hardest things young teachers need to learn. And really, it just takes time. Discuss how this is something you want to focus on, and how you’ll use mentors to really work on this skill.
  • What works and what doesn’t. Great teachers have this intuitive knowledge about what works and what doesn’t, all based upon their deep experience and trial-and-error. The only way to learn to teach is to do it. Over the coming years, you’ll be learning about this. A lot.

You’ll only need one or two paragraphs on this final point, but it’s a great way to end your essay on why you want to become a teacher. It’ll show your humility and eagerness to take on one of the noblest professions in the world.

If you want to learn to write a top notch conclusion, you might also like my post on the 5 C’s Conclusion method .

Before you finish up your essay, you might want to check out my awesome posts on how to improve your essays, like these ones:

  • How to write a killer Introduction
  • My perfect paragraph formula , and
  • How to edit your essay like a pro .

I promised 19 thoughtful points to make in your essay about why you want to be a teacher. Here they are, all summed up in one final list:

  • Say you want to help children learn more effectively.
  • Say you want to ensure children have positive mentors.
  • Say you want to improve children’s lives.
  • Say you want to help future generations solve the problems of today.
  • Say you want to help the future generations become good citizens.
  • Say you want to inspire future generations to create a more equal world.
  • Say you want to give back to the community you grew up in.
  • Say you want to be a part of helping your community thrive.
  • Say you want to be a part of your community’s decision-making processes.
  • Say you want to share your patience with your students.
  • Say you want to share your compassion with your students.
  • Say you want to learn from your students (be ‘open minded’)
  • Say you want to share your enthusiasm for learning with your students.
  • Say you want to share your generosity with your students.
  • Say you’re interested in learning how to teach difficult students.
  • Say you’re interested in learning how to work with difficult parents.
  • Say you’re interested in learning diverse strategies for teaching,
  • Say you’re interested in learning to master classroom management.
  • Say you’re interested in learning what works and what doesn’t in teaching.

Why I want to be a teacher essay

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

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  •   Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Future Educators

Future Educators

Helping America's Future Teachers

I Want to Become a Teacher Because | My Dream Job Essay

My dream is to become a teacher . If you have this dream, you’re not alone. Here’s a collection of short essays by aspiring teachers. Current and future education students were asked to describe their motivation; what inspires them to succeed at their teacher training studies.

In these 31 student essays, future educators answer the question “I want to become a teacher because …” or “I want to become a teacher to …”. The short student essays are grouped thematically, forming the top reasons to become a teacher.

1. Giving Brings Its Own Rewards

Early childhood teacher

Helping people is the unifying theme as to why students are inspired and motivated to become teachers. Education is a field where you can help young people directly in a personal way; potentially changing their lives for the better. Teaching is more than just a job.

For a significant percentage of education students, the opportunity to be of service provides plenty of motivation to pursue a teaching career. In each Why I Want to Become a Teacher essay here, a future educator explains why teaching is an opportunity to do something meaningful and beneficial.

by Hanna Halliar

If I can make an impact in just one child’s life, I will be able to consider myself successful. That is my motivation. As a future educator, what else would it be?

Every day that is spent in class, the late nights at the library, the endless hours of studying are all just steps getting me closer to the goal. When I am still up at 1 a.m. struggling to keep my eyes open, but only half way through my 6 page paper I remember how excited I am to work with my own students one day.

To me, being a teacher is so much more than the typical response most people have towards education majors. “Oh, you’re going to be a teacher. You know how much you will make?” Yes, I’m aware that I will be making an average of $50,000 a year in Indiana.

To me being a teacher means that I get the opportunity to not only teach my students math, English, and science but to teach life lessons that will stick with them as well.  It means walking into school every day being the reason my students look forward to coming to school. It means being surrounded by crafts, books, and music and not being stuck in an office. It means educating our future generation. And if somebody has to do it, it should be somebody who is passionate about it.

So what motivates me to study? It is so simple, it is the kids.

by Savannah Stamates

I lay awake at night and practice my first morning message to my first round of students whom I will not meet for more than a year.

I wonder if I will have hungry children, happy children, or broken children. I wonder if I will be good enough or strong enough to reach those most in need.  I wonder if my students will trust me enough to tell me that they are hungry, happy, or scared.

I worry that I will not be strong enough to share their burden or provide a place for peace and learning. I worry that I will misread their actions or their words or miss them reaching out.

So I study, even when I am tired from working two jobs or sick of not being where I want to be. When my time comes to walk into that classroom, my worries and doubts will be silenced by the knowledge I have mastered and the dream I have finally achieved.

by Charity Latchman

Dreams for the future are subjective. They can be based on what we desire. But visionary dreams are not only for us. Imagine asking some of the greatest revolutionaries and pioneers about their dreams. They generally had others in mind. In the famous “I have a Dream” speech, Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr said “we” more than thirty times. Dreams are not for our benefit alone, but to encourage, inspire and benefit others.

Recently I graduated from California Baptist University with a degree in English literature. During my studies, I was cared for my disabled mother. She was a religious studies professor who inculcated me with a diligent and steadfast approach to schoolwork. Managing the role of caregiver with university studies was challenging. But the goal to become a teacher kept me going. Approaching graduation, my mother was diagnosed with throat cancer. She didn’t worry about herself as much as you might expect but kept pushing me to finish the final paper in the program.

With her encouragement, my faith, and a burning desire to teach English literature, I graduated. My motivation comes from wanting to help, to encourage, and to inspire others.  Teaching is an act of giving that has its own rewards.  Life’s trials bring ups and downs. But we must always strive to attain our dreams, especially when others are central to them.

by Katheryn England

As a high school senior, many people assume I’m prepared for college and know what I want to study after graduation. These assumptions cause me to experience moments of self-doubt. Then I re-evaluate what I want for myself, and what it is that keeps me working towards my dreams. Through the goals I’ve set for myself, I can maintain focus, move past my self-doubt and succeed. By focusing on my goals, I can make a difference in the world directly around me.

A goal I have in my life is to be an elementary teacher, also known as an early childhood teacher. As a teacher,  I can share the knowledge I’ve gained to leave behind a better future for our world .

Last year, I had the opportunity to work alongside a previous elementary teacher and mentor of mine. I’d visit her classroom daily, and taught lessons alongside her or independently. Uniquely, they were the opening act in my high school’s original winter play. They read first-hand from our scripts and learned what happens behind the scenes. Showing a new part of the world to the youth of my community has motivated me to pursue my dreams.

Remembering this experience and the positive influence I had on those students helps me overcome self-doubt and stay focused on my goals. Thanks to the goals I’ve set for my life, I not only can find purpose for my efforts, but find the will to be confident in whatever choices I make.

by Emma Lillard-Geiser

I have always known that I would become two things: a mother and a teacher. What I didn’t know is that I would become the mother before the teacher. Having a child that depends on me is what fuels my desire to succeed in life. When I get frustrated with my studies I take a deep breath, look at my daughter, and know that I have reason to persevere. I know that one hour of studying will give me hours with my daughter as soon as I am done.

My mother is a teacher and growing up I cherished learning from her. She had knowledge that I admired and I quickly realized that I had to spend my whole life learning. I love to learn, to have that light go off in my head when it all just clicks.

I cannot wait to see that light in the eyes of my daughter and my future students.  For every thing that I learn, is another thing I can teach someone else.  It isn’t easy to study when you have a small child to take care of but I know that my education will provide me with the ability to take care of her for the rest of our lives.

2. Help Disadvantaged Students

Teacher helping disadvantaged student

Students are disadvantaged for many reasons, whether it’s because of a handicap, where they live, economic disadvantage or a language barrier.

Future educators may want to become teachers so they can make a difference in the lives of students who face extra learning challenges. This special interest often comes from the future teacher’s own experience, either personally or involving people they’ve known.

by Ian T Thomason

While attending the University of Minnesota-Mankato, I have aspirations of becoming a Special Education Teacher. Becoming a Special Education Teacher and helping students who have a need for extra help and students who are having troubles with everyday life are things that I dream of doing.  I was in their shoes once and know how difficult it is to deal with everyday life and how nice it was have a teacher to talk to.

Becoming a Special Education Teacher is my ultimate goal and, when difficult times arise, I have to remind myself of the children out there who have it potentially worse than I. When I remember this, I also think back to all of the support that I had from my parents, family members, and teachers. I also know that there are lots of children who don’t have this type of support and, if I can be there for them, that would make my career choice all the more worth it.

My Special Education degree is something more than just a degree for me. It is a degree that allows me to help children improve their education. I realize that children are our future and that their minds are terrible things to waste. So, instead of wasting their minds, why not put our best foot forward to educate them? My dream is to help kids realize their full potential, promote education and a brighter future for every child.

by Katherine

Motivation allows you to persist through difficult circumstances. Mine comes from a desire to grow into an instructor who is able to make a difference to many children’s lives.

In elementary school, I actually was a special education student. I’ve had to work hard most days of my life to achieve anything. I could not have succeeded without the support of some absolutely amazing teachers. Now I desire to take on that supporting role for as many students as I can reach.

When a class or an assignment I don’t want to do come up, I think of what motivates me. And the motivation is children. Many students feel powerless about their education, just like I did.  I could be a teacher who turns their education around, providing vital support and motivation to succeed at their studies.  Ultimately, everyone motivates themselves by one way or another. My motivation comes from the pure desire to help future students.

by Robbie Watson

My road to graduate school has been a long one. I studied religion and culture in undergrad, interested in the material, yet not sure how I would apply it later. Yet I found places, got involved in community and international development, engaged with different cultures, and now feel I use my degree every day.

For over two years I worked alongside Congolese refugees in Rwanda, developing educational opportunities for youths who could not finish secondary school in the underfunded camps. It is these refugees, young and old, the students, the teachers, their passion and vision for a better future that has driven me to seek out more education for myself. I remember how they would pay from their families’ meager funds to attend classes led by volunteer teachers. When finances were against them, or time, or family obligations, or the dire depression of the camp life itself, or even government officials were against them, still those students attended, still those teachers taught.

It is their example of perseverance towards a goal against all odds that inspires me now. I think of them often, think of the friends they were, are still. And I think of how that passion is in me now, to better understand education so that I might better educate, and thus equip such downtrodden communities to work for transformation themselves. I work not only for myself, and am motivated by the potential in those students and educators, which is also in me, and in others like them.

by Natalie Pelayo

I’m a young Latino woman working towards the goal of earning a bachelor degree in bilingual education. On occasions, I feel a slowing in my motivation. But, every time it happens, I think about the goal and that pushes me to move forward.

Looking back to a middle school class I attended, there was a boy who never really participated. He sat in his hoodie, looking down to his desk. Only after trying to talk with him, I discovered he spoke with broken English and a thick Spanish accent. It seemed as if no-one in our class actually knew that he struggled to understand what was being taught because it was presented in English.

By his manner, it was apparent that he had already accepted a dismal fate. Past teachers may have been unable to communicate with him. Eventually, he’d become demoralized.  Thinking about the disadvantages he had to endure provides ongoing motivation to study hard.

I aim to become a bilingual elementary school teacher to support young Spanish-speaking children. As a teacher, I’ll be able to show them that they can succeed. Children need not grow up thinking they’re incapable of learning due to a language barrier. I’ll keep working towards my goal to help ensure teaching is inclusive of all children, no matter their first language.

by Abigail Young

I am an American citizen, but my whole life I have lived in Cameroon, Africa. I have been blessed with an enormous amount of opportunities and a great education at a private international school.

Every day I have seen children and teenagers around me who do not get the same education or have the same possibilities of a “bright” future. I see schools that are forced to have three children share a small table, paper, and pens. I have seen a badly lit room with poor roofs and walls made from bricks. Even in my school there are numerous Cameroonians, my friends, and classmates that do not have the same chances at a higher level education, although they work just as hard.

When I study, I study hard because I do not want to let this chance and opportunity go to waste. I study because I have been undeservedly blessed to be able to go the United States for a high education with better chances at getting scholarship money. I study my hardest because  it is my dream that I may come back and make a difference in countries like Africa with poor education systems . It should be a right for children to be able to learn like I have. Therefore, because of this mindset, I am driven to study not just out of thankfulness for my circumstances, but also in hope that I may be able to give other children a better chance, and a greater reason to study.

3. Helping Many People Is Achievable in Teaching

Crowded classroom with many hands up

A powerful source of motivation for some education students is the potential to touch and positively impact the lives of many people. Education is a field of consequence and that’s a good reason for wanting to join the teaching profession.

Over the course of a long career, a classroom teacher may help shape the learning experience of hundreds or even thousands of students. In policy roles, educators can affect millions of people.

by Rachel Bayly

Through high school I worked as a teacher at a daycare. When I left for college I said goodbye to a lot of people, including my students. All summer I had woken up at five in the morning to go to work and wait for them to arrive and put a smile on my face. Those kids motivated me to keep waking up and working hard, and leaving them was not easy.

The thing that made that goodbye worth it, the reason that I keep pushing through this tying chapter of my life is that  I am determined to improve early childhood education in the United States .

I want to be a positive force in the lives of as many children as I possibly can, and I plan on doing that by improving standards and policies for early childhood education and making it more affordable.

Every week I write in my planner, “I will make a difference” and one way that I will change the lives of children and families. On days that I find myself asking, “why am I here?” “why am I going into debt, paying to be stressed out all the time?” I think of my students. I read my “I will make a difference” statements.

I remember that some children out there are stuck in low quality child care centers, they will never reach their full potential, and they need help. I keep working hard everyday so that I can help those children.

by Megan Burns

My ultimate goal is to change the lives of people. Studying to be a teacher is hard. All of the classes that are required, all of the practicums, and all of the time spent just to become a teacher is stressful, but the thought of being able to help just one person changes everything.

It takes one person to be a light in someone’s life. It take one person to be a helping hand. It takes one person to change an unmotivated, broken life, and make it brand new. Qualified teachers are those people.  We motivate students to do their best, we guide students to success when no one else will, and we are always available to listen.  One teacher can change the lives of thousands of students. That is my motivation.

I know that after college, I will be a teacher, a guider, a counselor, and a friend to so many students. No matter how many bad days I have or how many times I want to quit, I just think of what is to come in the future. I can be that change this world needs, even if its in a small high school classroom. It just takes one person.

by Victoria Shoemkaer

My dream is to make a difference in the life of children.

  • To make them excited about learning.
  • To make it fun the way it used to be when they were younger.
  • To show them that someone cares about them and wants to see them succeed.
  • To show that they are much more that a test score or a number.
  • To believe in them so much, that I do not let them get discouraged from chasing their dreams.
  • To showing them that everyone fails and it’s your recovery that determines what happens next.
  • To sacrifice myself to gives them more opportunities for success.
  • To encourage students to succeed in and out of the classroom for the betterment of themselves and the community.
  • To inspire them to change the world, because they can.
  • To help them transform into caring and compassionate adults who are ready to conquer the word, but remember where they came from.
  • To teach them to do good in the world because anyone can accomplish doing well.

Most importantly, my dream is to make children feel like their voice is important and valued and that they are loved more than they know.

4. Lives Can Be Improved by Dedicated Instructors

African boy showing a computer tablet

Teaching a subject such as Math or English is the everyday task of a teacher. But our prospective teachers see a greater purpose in their training and career path.

The daily motivation to teach doesn’t come from the superficial advantages of a teaching career, such as great job security or extra vacation time. Here are stories by future educators who want to go beyond the curriculum and improve people’s lives all round.

by Savannah Luree Weverka

Teachers are the ones who ignited my love for learning and there is not a day that goes by when I do not challenge myself to a personal goal of lifelong learning.

My mother is a teacher, so I was a student educated in an institution filled with support and a home that also supported education. I recall many teacher “get-togethers” and Husker parties where an informal invitation led to my presence.

Due to all of this support and interaction received throughout my elementary and high school career, Elementary Education continues to be at the top of my career choices. And now, as a senior looking forward to graduating from high school,  teachers remain my role models .

In considering a focus in Elementary Education, I now realize that many teachers not only teach children eight hours of the day, but become doctors for scraped knees, dictionaries for challenging words, mediators between students, and parents away from home.

Now, as I am taking the steps to make my dream come true I hope to make school an escape to free their minds and expand their knowledge. I want to share my love of learning with my students.

by Aaron Banta

Since I was younger, I have had the dream of becoming a history teacher at the high school level. The reason I am striving for this career is thanks to a teacher I had.  They held such a passion for history and taught it so well that it made me want to keep learning everything I could about it.

In college, I have had to work multiple jobs and attend school full-time. I would wake up early in the morning and not get home until late at night. The one thing that kept me on top of my studying and work was the dream I have; to be able to teach history and express my love for it by teaching the next generation. I strive to impact their lives for the better just like mine was.

Being able to pass my courses and get a degree and teaching credentials is the first main goal I am striving for. But being able to have a positive impact on students I have will be an even greater goal that I want to accomplish. I am hoping to guide them through their study of my favorite subject so I can teach them about the world and help them just like my teacher had helped me.

by Chelsea Rogers

At USC Upstate, I am studying to be a Secondary Education Mathematics teacher. The math courses are not easy and the education courses pushes you to challenge yourself. The thought of being a future teacher is what motivates me to keep pushing.

Although I do not know any of my students, they are precious to me and I believe it is my job to change their lives for the better.  Teaching math is my job, but looking beyond my content and into the wellbeing of my students is my passion.

The question I always ask myself is how can I teach students who may not trust me? I have to establish a connection with each student so that they will see I care about them academically, physically, and emotionally. Once students see that you care about them in these areas, it becomes easier to teach them and they are willing to perform to the best of their ability because they know their teacher supports them 100 percent. Being a great teacher is what motivates me to continue striving for my degree.

by Micayla Watroba

One plus one is two. Phone is pronounced with an F sound. 60 divided by 15 is 4. An essay typically has five paragraphs. I know all these things because I went to school. I also had teachers that helped me understand it even when I didn’t get the same opportunities as everyone else.

See, when I was in first grade I was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia. This made school very hard. I was either out of school so often that I missed entire chapters or I was bullied so badly that I couldn’t focus because I was so scared. Having cancer also made it hard for my mom and dad to pay for food and rent much less after school activities and tutoring. I grew up knowing that there were some things that were just not in reach for us. 

For as bad as I had it, I can’t imagine having to live on the streets, going hungry, or even being taught in a language I don’t know.

My dream is to be the teacher that makes sure that every student gets an education that helps them succeed.  I want to make sure that my students not only enjoy being at school but feel safe while there.  My students will know that it doesn’t matter where they came from or what background they came from. I am going to be there and I will not leave them behind. This is my dream.

5. Promote Lifelong Learning in Young People

Curriculum delivery in the classroom

What inspires some people to become teachers is the power to set young people on the right education path. Helping children to have good early experiences and embrace the learning process can profoundly enhance someone’s life. The potential for transformative early development applies to handicapped and disadvantaged kids as much as anyone.

by Lesley Martinez-Silva

I aspire to make a difference in others’ lives through education. I’m studying to be an elementary school teacher because I believe that children can achieve so much more if they learn early of their potential.

Education has always been my priority. My parents always stressed the importance of obtaining an education, having missed that opportunity themselves. My parents taught me as a child that schooling was vital to success in life. Truly, that lesson has been the most important in my path to college. I don’t think I would’ve made it this far had I not taken my education seriously.

I want to teach others about the importance of education so they too can prosper.  Everything I’m learning at university is important for my future career and, if I don’t study it, I’m failing my future students. Every child deserves the best education available and I should strive to be the best educator possible to provide that for them. When balancing academics, work, and my social life, it can get challenging to keep going. But, with the future of children’s education in my hands, I always get back on track.

by Brianna Rivers

One of my goals is to become a teacher and work in an public elementary school within the greater Boston area (possibly my own elementary school). I want to be a teacher because I enjoy working with children and I know how important teachers are in children’s lives. I plan on receiving my Bachelor’s degree for Early Childhood Education and my Master’s degree in Special Education.

I want to major in Early Childhood Education because  early education is significant for children and is a building block for their future in learning . I also want to major in Special Education because I believe all children should receive equal learning opportunities as well as equal treatment (meaning an inclusive environment, etc).

I think all of my experiences have a positive impact on myself because I am learning more about what it takes to be a teacher and what it takes to be a good teacher. My experiences also have a positive impact on the children and adults I work with. I offer a helping hand to the teachers and a friendly face to the children.

I plan to continue to work hard and take advantage of learning opportunities to achieve both of my goals. Being a teacher is my desire and I will stop at nothing to be a great teacher one day.

by Jennamarie Moody

When I close my eyes, I picture myself in a school located in an urban setting, teaching a classroom of diverse yet alike students. These students are in the second grade, meaning that they are impressionable yet vulnerable to their environment whether this means at home, at school, or in their greater community.

Some of these students don’t speak English as their first language, and some come from low-income households that can limit their educational experiences outside of the classroom. And yet, no matter what differences these students bring to the table, their uniqueness flows throughout the classroom in such a positive energy that embraces, respects, and promotes learning. This is the goal I am working towards; the goal  to inspire our youth to become self-advocates for their learning .

Opportunities for equal educational experiences may not exist, however the beauty lies in the growth of love young students can develop as they are challenged in the classroom to question their surroundings. I plan to make a difference in the lives of the children I meet along the way, and to create a safe learning environment.

Although the tests for certification and studies can be difficult, my passion for education and dedication to shaping the lives of my students is what keeps me going. The end goal is to nurture the development of my students to become active and engaged participants in society, and that is what I intend to do completely.

by Julie Anderson

My long-time goal has been to become a teacher, and this year I’m in a class called Teachers for Tomorrow, where I get to shadow a kindergarten teacher. Working with her and the students has increased my interest in children with special needs.

From here on out, I want to support my students in academics and other parts of their lives so I can help them learn, grow, and succeed. I know that children need a strong start to their school career because the first few years of school are crucial; this is when students begin to love or hate learning itself. Whether or not children enjoy school, they deserve to appreciate learning. Students who love learning will always want to improve themselves.

I will make an effort to provide a loving environment where each child can prosper. However, for students with special needs, this task becomes even harder to accomplish because traditional classrooms are usually set up for non-disabled students.  While I know I can’t “save” every student I teach, and some of them will still hate learning, at least I can start them off right.

When I’m swamped with schoolwork, I will imagine my future students and how I could influence their lives. Even though not all of my college classes will relate to my major, forming a habit of working hard in college will help me to succeed as a future teacher.

6. Teachers Are Excellent Role Models

Enthralled student in classroom

The experience of being helped and transformed by a good teacher leaves a lasting impression. Teaching is considered a noble profession for good reasons.

Some education students are motivated to become a teacher to emulate their own role models. They want to provide the same kind of service they once received. An added reason for pursuing a teaching career is to be a role model to younger people outside the classroom, including one’s own children.

by Teresa Pillifant

My first day – well, more like first semester- of my freshman year in high school was the hardest semester of my whole school career. Usually the kind of student who loves school, I found myself getting stomach aches in the morning and dreading school with my whole being. I was new to the school, and the number of students was overwhelming.

It seemed like there was no relief, except for my first hour Spanish class. Having no friends, I would always arrive at my first hour class early. As this pattern continued, my Spanish teacher and I developed a relationship. My teacher started giving me books to read, asking my opinion on what we should do in class and just talked to me in general about life. Through my teacher’s support, I grew to find my place in the school and became more confident.

Her kind words and actions inspired me to become a teacher myself.  Now, whenever school or life gets difficult, I think of my freshmen year Spanish teacher and how she inspired me. I want to do what she did for me for my future students. Whether it be a difficult test or a challenging class, my goal of making a difference in a student’s life keeps me going.

by Mo Cabiles

The world we live in is hard, unsteady and ruthless. We see this everyday in the harshness of homelessness, to social media screaming for justice. What motivates me to continue on is that I have felt the bitter cold bite of homelessness. I know what it’s like to not have enough to eat and to be scared of what will happen next.

I am fortunate to no longer be in those situations but that, by no means, is an indicator that it will all now come easy. As an adult learner and your “non-traditional” student, there are other obstacles I must overcome. From transportation to childcare or education application mastery to APA formatting, the many roadblocks I tackle both large and small are what I consider to be my victories.

I’ve seen what having a higher education can do for someone and I want that for myself and that of my daughters.  I strive to be a good example for them , to show them that, regardless of social standing and unforeseeable circumstances, if they work hard and put their best effort forward, they can achieve their dreams.

My dream is to obtain my Masters in Education with an emphasis in counseling. I want to be an academic advisor or guidance counselor. I’ve seen so many youths attempt community college and fail because they fell through the cracks. These students need to realize their potential and I want to help them achieve that and to be their cheerleader.

by Gia Sophia Sarris

In every school I’ve ever attended, experienced teachers were there to support and inspire me. I have looked up to these people ever since I was in elementary school, and they have had an immense and positive impact on my life and my view of the world.  My fondness for these people [educators] has led me to aspire to become a teacher.

I want to “pay it forward” and improve the lives of children and teenagers who grow up struggling as I did, or in any way for that matter. I want to make a difference in their lives and let them know that they are not alone with their problems.

This is what motivates me to study hard. Becoming a teacher, I believe, will help me fulfill my purpose in life, which I think is to create happiness and ease the burdens of others. I feel that children and teenagers need this especially, because they are struggling to understand the world and their place in it. I study hard for their sake.

by Jennifer Wolfert

From elementary school to my first year at college, I struggled to establish a dream for myself. Trying to figure out what career I wanted to pursue as successful adult always filled me with anxiety. I had spent multiple years in special education and left with a low academic self-esteem. So, after high school I attended Bucks County Community College in search for more time. Still I made no progress. Then I decided to change my outlook. I stopped asking “what do I want to do?” and started asking “who do I want to be?”. That’s when my dream took shape.

The educators that I met during my time at community college were my inspiration.  They are brilliant, hardworking people with a passion for their specialty that I had never seen before. Their belief in hard work was infectious. School began to fill me with excited anticipation and my grades improved. I started to believe that if I worked hard enough then I could be like them and inspire others like they had inspired me.

At the end of my second year attending community college, I accomplished a task that had previously racked me with fear. I applied to Temple University as a Secondary English Education major. I have now completed my second semester at Temple and earned my first 4.0 GPA. In time, I am confident that I will be able to accomplish my dream. I will become the passionate and inspiring educator that my younger self never had.

by Jenyfer Pegg

My entire life has been filled with discouragement. I grew up in a household where I was constantly told “No”. I was told my ideas were stupid and would not work. In my junior year of high school, my teachers and counselors started talking about college and sending in applications to different places. At that point, I knew I was not going. I came from a poor family and I knew we could never have money for something like college.

But I went on college visits, I listened to people speak about their college, and I was set. I had a lot of things pushing me, except the one thing I really wanted, my family. No one in my family has gone to college, and when I told my mother, she was shocked. She told me she just wanted me out of the house.

When I came to school, I realized I wanted to teach high school. I want to make an actual difference in someone else’s life. My family has taken the same road for years, and I’m not going down that road. I won’t live paycheck to paycheck like my mom, I will be a person that others will look up to.

I’m going to do something worthwhile, and I will work harder than anyone else if it gets me there.  I’ve seen what my life will be like without school and motivation and there is absolutely no way I’m going down that road. I’ve got bigger plans.

7. Unlock the Success Potential of Students

College student holding books

Educators want to help students in every way they can but, for some future teachers, the focus is on helping students soar. That child in front of you in the classroom might grow up to do great things for society, raise a strong family, or just be happy and fulfilled.

Whatever the potential of a pupil, a teacher’s job is to help unlock talents and remove any barriers to future success.

by Tamara Vega

The thing that motivates me the most is the thought of having my own classroom someday. I want to be the teacher that changes a child’s life, inspires them to set high goals for themselves and encourages them to reach it.

College can be so hard at times and I get really anxious and scared. I worry about not passing my classes and exams, I worry about not getting my degree. Despite that I do not give up because I have to do this and I want to do this.

I cannot see myself doing anything else besides teaching, I have never been this passionate about something. I want to graduate and get my degree. I’d love to look at it and say, “I worked hard for this and I earned it”.

The idea that the students in my classroom could grow up to cure cancer, or become president, pretty much anything they want, brings me so much excitement.   I want to be the teacher that they remember, the one who helped them realize their dream and who gave them the knowledge needed to reach it.

Be the teacher that I needed as a child but unfortunately never had. That is what gets me through all the stress and anxiety, I know in my heart that all the studying I’m doing right now will be worth it in the end.

by Nicole Gongora

The dream of success motivates me to study – not my success, my future students’ success. I push myself through the rough spots for them.

I was a lost child in high school; I didn’t know how to apply to college, let alone afford it. No child should have to experience that. As a future educator, I am committed to helping my students succeed, achieve more, and continue onto higher education.  Every child should be given the opportunity to showcase their strengths and follow their dreams.

College was never a dream for me; it was a far off, unattainable fantasy. I met some inspiring teachers in high school who encouraged me to change my life and who helped me to thrive. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I plan to work at a low-income school similar to the one I attended. These types of schools are the ones who lack resources. I will serve as a resource to my students and I hope to be an inspiration to them. In turn, I hope they become kind, respectful adults. I want them to see the virtue in helping others and I hope they will serve others in their future careers. I want to be the teacher they remember. I want to be the teacher that helped them succeed.

I’ll feel successful as a teacher if my students are successful in attaining their goals. If one student decides to achieve more then I will have lived out my dream.

by Madison Sherrill

I’ve decided to become a teacher because I want to show the value of compassion and diversity.

As I begin college this upcoming fall, my main motivation is the students. While I haven’t even met them yet, they inspire me to persist in my classes and stay optimistic.  My classroom will support innovative thinking and celebrate each student’s individuality.

As a classroom teacher, I want to encourage and positively influence the next generation. They should know that they can be successful and achieve what they aspire to become while making the world better. By teaching the value of inclusiveness and the power of kindness, my students may turn out to be visionary thinkers and leading members of society.

by Alicia Costin

I am returning to school after taking a few years off. After graduating from California Lutheran University with my BS in Mathematics, I wanted to land a job with benefits and begin my “adult life”.

While it took me a few months to find my current job, is it just that; a job. I have benefits, a full-time schedule, weekends and holidays off, but am I happy? Is this what I want to do as a career for the rest of my life? I have asked myself this question a few times and the answer is always the same; no.

My dream is to become a teacher and help motivate and encourage students to do their best in their studies and in life.  It is my dream to do what I was meant to do; shape young minds and help future generations.

When things become difficult during my graduate program, I know to keep pushing, thriving, and studying hard so that, when I do become a teacher, I can use this as a positive story to shape their way of life. I landed a job outside of college, however now it is time for me to land my career.

Related Posts

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When and why did you decide to become a science teacher?

When and Why Did You Decide to Become a Science Teacher?

Why did you want to be a science teacher? Do you know how to answer this teacher interview question?  

It is important the response you give to the job interview question is truthful, relevant to the position, and shows value to the school district. The following could be a possible answer, or it may provide some ideas for you to tailor your response:

Interviewers could ask you this question to be sure you are passionate about teaching science, and you have clear reasons for choosing education, and you can articulate them clearly.

People find different reasons and rewards for becoming teachers. There is no wrong reason for deciding to become a science teacher, as long as your reason results in you being a passionate and knowledgeable teacher who loves their students.

Someone might teach because they find fulfillment in sharing their knowledge of a subject to an eager new audience. They might teach because they love the interaction with students, and they like to see the signs of understanding that appear on a student’s face.

Another reason to teach could be a dedication to the science field. Teaching science to others is a natural way to further their interest in it while getting others to love the area of study.

Or, someone might choose to become a teacher because they were inspired by a teacher they had growing up, which made them want to be that kind of teacher to a new generation of students. Ultimately, most decide to teach because they want to make a difference in the world by making a difference in a child’s life.

If your reason for becoming a Science teacher happens to be on this list, then that’s great. You can use that example to help form your answer. However, your answer should also not be framed around yourself and your hopes and dreams as an educator.

When this question is asked in an interview, the interviewer is trying to determine what kind of educator you are, passionate about science, and how this will affect their students.

Phrase your response to what students need from a science teacher rather than why you choose to be a teacher. End your answer with how your thirst for knowledge, love of discovering creative teaching strategies , and passion for science will help students learn and achieve higher rates.

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What makes a good science teacher?

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teaching science education

What are the essential ingredients of good science teaching?

Janice Crowley , chair of the science department at Wichita Collegiate School in Kansas, faced that question last year when she had to choose between two candidates for a vacancy in earth science.

One held a Ph.D. in the discipline, while the other had a strong passion for the subject as well as his students.

“Both candidates were way beyond [qualified] what they would be teaching,” she said.

“The Ph.D. looks good on paper,” said Crowley, who holds a doctorate herself. “But, the second candidate, who held a master’s degree not in earth science but in chemistry, was all about the kids.”

Her dilemma highlights a key question: How is science best taught – and by whom?

As a teacher, “you need to know the subject,” said Martin Storksdieck , Ph.D., director of the Board on Science Education at the National Research Council. However, “independent of content knowledge, the teacher has to have the ability to make connections and excite students,” he said. “Can the teacher go deeper, be flexible and explain why something is important? This is the human part, often overlooked. And accurately measuring success is a science in itself.”

Storksdieck said the U.S. needs to rethink how it teaches science. “The idea that 30 students seated in a classroom would learn the same thing, on the face of it, doesn’t make sense,” said Storksdieck, who was educated in Germany. “You learn by doing,” he said.

Training the best science teachers

When President Barack Obama called for the government to spend $1 billion in 2011 to improve K-12 science education, he earmarked a full 30 percent to help train science teachers and to figure out which methods work best.

So what are the methods?

Here are some examples:

UTeach, a discipline-based program, places undergraduate math and science majors in education classes and gives them student-teaching experience. The program began in 1996 at the University of Texas-Austin and is now offered by 21 universities in 11 states.

Teach For America recruits a growing number of recent college graduates with strong backgrounds in math, science and engineering, who then receive content-specific training at a summer institute and targeted support during their two-year commitment.

The New Teacher Project recruits and trains high-achieving individuals to become teachers in hard-to-staff schools.

At Science Leadership Academy (SLA) in Philadelphia, they are doing just that.

The high school opened in September 2006 with a special emphasis on inquiry. Developed in partnership with The Franklin Institute , a science museum in Philadelphia, students at SLA learn in a project-based environment where research, collaboration, presentation and reflection are emphasized in all classes.

“Our engineering teacher dares kids to design green energy. Our kids have made urban windmills and bio-diesel generators, solar water heaters, solar collectors, and they’ve done so not always knowing how to do everything,” said Chris Lehmann , the school’s founding principal.

The school’s longer-than-usual class periods allow for more laboratory work in science classes and performance-based learning in all classes. Flexible schedules permit students to take advantage of dual-enrollment programs with local universities and career-development internships in laboratory or business settings.

The idea is to expand education beyond the four walls of the classroom into every facet of the students’ lives, school officials say.

At Santa Monica High School in Southern California, senior Emma Alice Miller sees physics everywhere she turns.

“When you hear a police siren coming towards you, when you look in your rearview mirror, when you look through your glasses, when you see a rainbow, when you throw a ball – they are all represented and explained by physics.”

Miller credits her high school physics teacher, Ms. Reardon, with igniting her passion for the subject. “Ms. Reardon introduced me to physics for the first time in a fun way. She gave us labs to help us better understand the material and get more involved,” said Miller.

Miller now intends to study physics in college, a decision she attributes to her experiences in Ms. Reardon’s class. “For a unit in motion, we dropped water balloons and timed them, and then did calculations on this data. Mrs. Reardon was able to get everyone in the class to participate.”

In the end, good science teaching is not just about communicating facts. “High school lessons in biology were anything but fun,” said Funmi Olopade , an internationally recognized oncologist and geneticist, physician and professor at the University of Chicago.

Memorization was the secret to Olopade’s success but it left her less than enthusiastic about the subject. One teacher, though, sparked her passion for science.

“My high school physics teacher was amazing,” she said. “He spent hours – extra time helping us with homework – and made physics fun and relevant.”

She loved her ecology class, too, where experiments in nature took her outdoors in her Nigerian homeland. Subsequent physics experiments helped her understand the laws of nature. By the time she entered medical school, she had a thirst for knowledge – and biology terminology, which she had previously languished over, now served a purpose.

And Crowley, the department chair trying to decide between the Ph.D. and the passionate teacher – which candidate did she eventually choose?

“If there’s a guy who’s great at blowing things up but can’t interact with his students,” she said, “there will be a disconnect.” And then the students lose interest.

So Crowley said she went with her gut, rejecting the Ph.D. in favor of the instructor who was passionate about teaching. Today, she says, “he’s one of the most favored teachers in the building.”

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  • Pingback: To learn more science, take more science — Joanne Jacobs

Thank you for the great post. I am glad that Janice chose the individual who was “all about the kids.” Especially in a time when education is moving towards online and distance learning, this really hammers home the importance of the face-to-face interactions between teacher and student. It is easy to get caught up in the love affair of education and technology, and how it can take education beyond the classroom’s time and space constraints. However, this post lays out how passion is born through human interaction and activity.

In my experience as a teacher I agree with the choice. I would like to add that when you understand the physical to the abstract scientific process of the natural human learning and the subject matter science becomes the experience for both the teacher and students. It has been my experience that science is how the physical universe really works and not about how I think, wish, or want it to work. Scientific understandings can be observed and aided to the overall scientific experience for each student. The teachers passion for their students is based on a level of respect that all the students are capable of experientually understanding the scientific aspects of the curriculum. When the teacher understands the whole spectrum of the subject they can design the educational environmental experience from physical to the abstract so that each individual student consciously experiences the science. If the scientific goal is the natural intellectual development of all children then it needs to be understood that the present education system’s science is about the student’s response to the externally motivated goals of the system and not upon the facilitation of their natural intellectual potential.

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I’m currently a substitute teacher working to obtain my Chemistry License but I’m having trouble passing the test. What I have experienced working with inner city kids is that our student lack basis prerequisites needed to be successful in science. Many of the students previous teachers were not strong in science or could not perform the different labs because 1)class size to large, 2) not enough interest in the area, 3)children do not have the cognitive knowledge to understand the meaning behind the activities. We are fighting a generation who have no desire to think on their own. This is the microwave generation, give it to me right now and all I have to do is push a button. Project base learning is great but cannot be performed without prerequisite.

Children are natural scientists. They enter school wanting to know how and why everything works. We do a great job extinguishing this curiosity with cookbook lab exercises and memorization of the facts. I have colleagues who say that they don’t care how students feel about science or learning concepts, just as long as they get the right answer on the lab sheet. Want to know why we’re not doing so well in science? This is why!!

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I am so happy to see how a selection for a teacher was made.Different people give different weightage to the same parameters.I strongly feel that while selection it is more important to see what is the ultimate goal you wish to achieve.Is it research of teaching and also whom?school teaching or college?

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why i want to be a science teacher essay

Why I Want to Be a Teacher, Essay Sample

Teaching is a noble job that requires passion, dedication, and commitment. It’s a challenging yet rewarding career with many rewards and opportunities. Thinking about becoming a teacher? Well, this essay, written with the help of custom paper writing service , will explore why I want to be a teacher, what inspired my interest in teaching, and the different roles teachers play in the lives of students. 

I Want to Become a Teacher Because It Inspires Me

I have always been passionate about education and helping other people learn. Ever since I was in high school, I enjoyed attending classes as well as helping out my peers with their studies. As an adult, I realized how much of an impact teachers can have on students’ lives. Seeing the positive influence that educators had on their students made me want to become part of it too. 

I had some truly incredible teachers who encouraged me to pursue my dreams and gave me the confidence that I could do anything if I put my mind to it. They inspired me with how much effort they put into making sure their students were engaged and learning in an enjoyable way. Their enthusiasm for teaching was contagious, and it made me want to become a teacher myself one day.

Being a Teacher is Very Responsible

Teachers are more than just instructors; they are mentors and role models for their students. They take on multiple roles such as educator, counselor, advisor, confidant, friend, and even parent figure at times. In addition to teaching academic content knowledge and skills necessary for success in life after school, teachers also need to be able to build meaningful relationships with their students, so they can help them develop emotionally and socially while also providing guidance when needed.  

Teaching is an Important Social Role

Besides, teachers play a principal role in society because they help young people develop their minds and learn new skills. They teach students things such as reading, writing, and math, but also how to be responsible citizens of the country.

Teaching Makes it Easy to Meet Different People

I also want to be a teacher because it will allow me to work with people from all walks of life. There are many different types of people in the world, and having the opportunity to work with all of them would be amazing!

The Power of Education

Another reason I want to become a teacher is that I believe in the power of education. Education can open doors that would otherwise remain closed; it can give people opportunities they never would have had before; it can be life-changing. As a teacher, I will have the chance to help instill these values into my students while providing them with valuable knowledge that will stay with them for years to come. 

Teaching Helps to Make Changes

In addition to it, teaching gives me the chance to make a difference in someone else’s life — and that’s something that money just can’t buy! When you are able to inspire someone else and watch them grow as an individual, it is incredibly rewarding. 

Moreover, teaching provides you with plenty of opportunities for growth and development yourself: you get to work alongside other inspiring professionals and learn new skills every day! 

Being a teacher is not just about imparting knowledge from textbooks but it’s about inspiring others to reach for greatness and supporting them through it all. It’s a complex job that requires great responsibility, but one that can be immensely rewarding when you see your students succeed because of your efforts. 

That’s why I want to be a teacher – so I can make an impact on future generations by helping them reach their full potential while making sure they have fun while learning!

Tips on Writing Why I Want to be a Teacher Essay

A teacher is one of the most important professionals in any society. They are responsible for teaching students various subjects including math, science, English, and many more. If you want to become a teacher, then you should write an essay on why you want to be a teacher. To start with, you can read personal statement essay example . The essay will show your passion for education and how much you want this job. Here are some tips that will help you write an amazing essay

Give a Clear Answer to Yourself

Make sure you have an answer. The most important thing about this essay is that it has a very clear and concise point. This means that you need to be able to clearly explain why you want to become a teacher and why it’s important for you. If you can’t do this, then your essay will not be successful at all. 

So make sure that before you begin writing, you know exactly what your answer will be (and how it will relate to the question). This way, when someone reads it, they will understand exactly what your intentions are with becoming a teacher and why it’s important for them too.

Use an Appropriate Tone

Choose a friendly tone for your essay so that your reader can easily understand what you are trying to say without having any confusion or difficulty in understanding. Use active voice instead of passive voice whenever possible, since it makes your writing more engaging and readable.

Narrow Your Focus

Another important step in writing your “Why I Want to Be a Teacher” Essay is to narrow your focus. You do not have to write about all the reasons why you want to teach; rather, focus on one specific reason that is important to you.

By following these tips, you can create a compelling and persuasive essay that demonstrates your commitment to becoming a teacher.

Key Reasons Why Someone Might Want to Become a Teacher

Teaching is a profession that involves shaping the minds and lives of the next generation. It can be a challenging yet rewarding career that offers many opportunities for personal and professional growth. Here are some of the key reasons why someone might want to become a teacher:

Note that these are just some of the reasons why someone might want to become a teacher. Teaching can be a fulfilling and rewarding profession for those who have a passion for education and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

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why i want to be a science teacher essay

Why I Want to Be a Teacher Essay: Writing Guide [2024]

Some people know which profession to choose from childhood, while others decide much later in life. However, and whenever you come to it, you may have to elaborate on it in your personal statement or cover letter. This is widely known as “Why I Want to Be a Teacher” essay.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

The primary reasons to pursue this career are:

  • Raising new generations and changing the world for the better are your goals.
  • You have all the qualities and skills to become a teacher.
  • Duties, responsibilities, and creativity that the profession involves fascinate you.
  • Growing up, you had a fantastic teacher who became your role model.

If you’re having trouble coming up with arguments, you have come to the right place! Here, at Custom-Writing , we gathered all the essential tips to use in a “being a teacher” essays.

🎓 7 Reasons to Become a Teacher

🛑 7 reasons not to become a teacher.

  • 📜 Paper Types

✍️ “Why I Want to Be a Teacher” Essay

📑 “why i want to be a teacher” personal statement, 🖨️ 50 teacher essay topics, 🤔 why i want to be a teacher faq, 🔗 references.

Why do you want to be a teacher? Being one seems manageable if it’s your dream job. At the same time, it’s the hardest profession that wouldn’t fit everyone. Check the following reasons to become a teacher that you can use in your paper.

Also, the following points are entirely appropriate for children. If they have a task like a “When I grow up, I want to become a teacher because…” essay, they will find this section useful.

🌱 Raising New Generations

Do you think that future generations require different teaching? Do you have an idea of a new proper approach? Whatever you believe, make sure to write about it:

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

  • Elaborate on the problem:

Would you like to see a more environmentally-conscious generation? Or do you find that kids lack concentration and the will to succeed? Explain why you consider children and teens need guidance.

To support your argument, give statistics and real-life examples of the problems modern children and teens have. Provide the leading causes and solutions for this issue in your “Why I Want to Be a Teacher” essay.

  • Talk about your reasoning:

How did you understand that the problem above exists? You have to write why you thought about it in the first place.

For example, siblings. Do you have a younger sibling? Or a nephew who often asks you to play with him or her? Then, in your “Why I Want to Be a Teacher” essay, you might mention that this child helped you choose a future career.

  • Explain why you:

What makes you think you might be a good teacher? Does the child enjoy spending time with you? Did you manage to teach the child something useful? Make sure to discuss this in your essay.

Receive a plagiarism-free paper tailored to your instructions. Cut 20% off your first order!

So, are you ready to write about raising new generations? Check this essay sample below to ensure your success:

🎨 Creativity in Teaching

In this kind of essay, you would shift the focus from yourself to the teacher’s profession in general. You’ll elaborate on why you find this profession a great creative outlet.

Talk about creativity that you’ll bring to the classroom. Use this reasoning to explain why this profession is one of a kind and appropriate for you in particular. Do you think that you might use your creative abilities to become an excellent teacher?

To underline your points:

Share several ideas on how to educate children using innovative approaches. Kids are naturally compelling storytellers because of their sincerity and imagination. Maybe, you’ll find a way to use it.

Get an originally-written paper according to your instructions!

🔍 Qualities of a Good Teacher

All the educator’s responsibilities require communication and writing skills. They have to acquire accountability, patience, creativity, etc.

You may be wondering: how can this topic help me explain why I want to become a teacher? The essay should compare the qualities of a good teacher with your own. Thus, you’ll show how good you are for the position.

  • Do you believe that a good teacher should be kind? If positive, mention some example that proves your desire to help. For example, you might have volunteered at an animal shelter.
  • Do you argue that a good teacher should be knowledgeable? Tell your readers about your good grades in college.

Still, wondering about how to write a good paper on an educator’s qualities? Check the useful teacher essay sample, written by a student:

🏫 Duties and Responsibilities

While this topic may sound similar to the previous ones, it’s all about how you present your arguments and structure your narrative. This topic offers you an opportunity to examine the day-to-day lives of teachers.

First of all , you can describe the duties and responsibilities of a teacher. Explore it, be it grading assignments, cooperating and communicating with parents, or continuously learning.

Secondly , you can focus on the aspects of teaching that you find rewarding. You can add in your essay writing the sadness that a teacher feels when his or her students graduate. Or talk about the joy they experience when they see students learning and improving their grades.

Whichever approach you choose, make sure it’s beneficial for you and reveals your strong sides.

👩‍🏫 My Best Teacher

This type of essay is similar to the previous ones. Here, you also describe the characteristics of an excellent teacher. There is, however, one key difference:

Rather than describing some abstract figures, you would describe a real-life teacher. Talk about the person who served as a role model and inspired you to pursue this career.

The premise of this essay is excellent:

First , you show an understanding of what the job of a teacher encompasses. Second , you also demonstrate your appreciation for someone who made a difference in your life.

“My best teacher” topic is an excellent opportunity to pay tribute to your teacher or a trainer who has significantly influenced your life.

🦉 Changing the World

How many times have you heard that teachers change the world? It might sound quite trivial, but they do. Educators have a significant impact on the new generation’s development and their effect on society. Their influence expands to every sphere of our life, from business to community, from ecology to economics.

How teachers change the world.

Here are the four secrets of how teachers change the world:

  • Sharing. A good educator shares their knowledge with others: students and colleagues. They bring their ideas and concepts to conferences, write blogs, and hold school meetings. Everyone benefits from this sharing. An educator gets feedback while their audience learns something new and motivating. Yes, it takes a lot of effort to set aside time for this, especially when you have a tight schedule. But it’s worth it. Think, would learning theories have ever existed if teachers didn’t share them?
  • Caring. Educators not only care for their students, but in most cases, they actively participate in charity. Think about what impact it can have when students, parents, and teachers work together for something significant. It can be anything: from planting trees to fundraising for cancer. Such activities help students to gain valuable experience in helping others and saving our planet. In most cases, they will continue doing so even after graduation.
  • Networking. In daily lives, teachers overcome various challenges. The networking and learning from other’s experiences allow the educator to see alternative points of view, motivate others, and find out new approaches to teaching.
  • Reflection. Educators regularly analyze what works and what not at their lessons. Regular observations help them adjust the curriculum or change teaching methods. A critical approach to their work allows the educator to optimize and make their job more impactful.

Now you have all the arguments to consider in your essay about the teacher’s profession.

Teaching is not easy and not a profession you should choose unless ready to face all its challenges. And here’s the “shortlist” of them:

  • Low salary. Yes. Educators from all over the world don’t get paid enough. On average, teachers’ weekly wages are 19.6% lower than those of other professions. So if you are not ready to live, hardly able to make ends meet, being a school educator is not your number one career choice.
  • Teachers spend their salaries on students and school staff. Most teachers spend a part of their earnings on purchasing school tools and gear. In 2012-2013, K-12 educators spent 1.6 billion dollars on classroom supplies. That’s not fair. Are you ready to waste your hard-earned money this way? Moreover, you will have to transport all this stuff to class on your own.
  • Teachers have to deal with all disturbing trends. Des-pa-si-to. Does this song make you roll up your eyes? And what about the whole class with fidget spinners? How about that these things repeat day by day for a couple of months? Think if you can deal with your irritation and anger. If negative, consider another profession.
  • Teachers don’t have weekends and vacations. You may be wondering why. And here’s the answer: they write lesson plans, check countless essays and projects, etc. Yes, in most cases, you won’t have time for yourself and your hobby. And… even for your family.
  • Educators are at high risk of public embarrassment. This means you will have to control everything you post on social media, your behavior, and every word you say to anyone. It’s like living under the microscope. And it’s exhausting.
  • Students always try to escape studying, and some parents blame teachers for that. Have you ever missed an essay submission deadline because of procrastination? Even if the answer is “No,” your students will. And some of their parents will blame you. They can say that you did not adequately explain the lesson material, or you’re too prejudiced to their kids, or… whatever it would be, you’ll be wrong.
  • Students can be abusive. Even the best teacher faced abuse and bullying in class. Think, will you be able to deal with troubled youth and bad behavior day by day?

As you can see, teaching is a stressful, low-paying, and thankless job. There are many reasons not to become a teacher you can use in your paper and to think about when choosing a career. However, many people still decide to be teachers because it is much more than just a profession. They want this career path as the passion of their lives.

📜 Teacher Topic: Paper Types

You may say that it’s just a teacher topic essay, what are we talking about? There are plenty of other types of essays on teaching that your professor may also ask to write. Check our blog to learn more about their specifics.

Below, we will give you all the essentials on being a teacher paper:

🗺️ Application Essay

You will have to write this type of essay when applying for a job. This paper is a crucial part of your application. You have to prove to your future employer that you meet all the requirements of your future career.

At first sight, it’s similar to a CV or a cover letter. But the job application essay is an entirely different paper. And here are some of the features of these papers:

  • Life experience and hobbies. In your CV or resume, you state your hobbies, interests, and even the places you have visited. However, in the teacher application, you provide only relevant information about yourself that clearly shows that your experience makes you the best candidate for this position.
  • Personalization. You may not change your CV when applying to various companies (unless you want to tailor it to a particular employer and position). But your teacher application essay must be customized. Some employers will ask you to tell more about yourself while others require you to solve a specific issue in the application.
  • Your ambitions and enthusiasm. The CV doesn’t show your objectives or attitude to various teaching theories. Otherwise, your employer can ask you to write an essay that represents your professional goals.

🔔 Personal Statement

The personal statement is quite similar to the job application letter. You will write it when applying to a college, university, or for a job. The difference between personal statement and a job application essay is that the first one leaves more space for your creativity.

As in the teacher application essay, you will have to customize it according to the job requirements and express both your ambitions and personal features.

Some employers require you to submit a personal statement along with the CV and cover letter.

💭 Autobiography

You may be wondering why you may need to write an autobiography of a teacher. This essay will be useful for your future portfolio. For example, you can add it to a job search portfolio or “about me” section on social media.

Needless to say that social networking nowadays is an essential part of a job search or career change. So, make sure that your autobiography of becoming a teacher contains only positive details.

However, you have to remember that an autobiography on Facebook or LinkedIn (or wherever you decide to place it) should make your profile searchable .

Above, we’ve provided the pros and cons of being a teacher. We hope, by now, you have the answer to the “why I want to be a teacher” question.

So, another issue arises: how to write an essay? Below we will show you all the essentials on writing teacher topic essays with examples.

1. ✔️ Preparation

Proper preparation is key to an A+ paper. First, you should determine the topic and arguments you will use in your essay on teacher jobs.

The arguments depend on the paper type you have to write. For example, you should prepare merits and demerits, or choose points to use in the argumentative essay. Maybe, you should research for a literature review. Whatever it takes, don’t skip this stage!

2. ✔️ Outline

The next step is to outline your future paper. An outline is a mandatory part of any essay writing. It’s a plan that will let you structure your ideas and stick to the required word count.

Here’s an example of “Why I Want to Be a Teacher” college essay outline:

“Why I want to be a teacher” college essay outline.

In this 300-word “Why I Would Like to Be a Teacher of Political Science” essay, our experts organized the paper structure and put key ideas to explore in the paper. As you can see, after the introduction, they put the topic aspects to cover and left a part for sources analysis.

Make a list of your arguments and ensure that they are logically connected. Your professor can require you to write an outline with headings and subheadings as complete sentences or a series of words (phrases). So make sure you’ve carefully read the paper guidelines and understood them.

3. ✔️ Thesis Statement

After you’ve finished your outline, you can start essay writing. At this stage, you need to develop a good thesis statement.

The purpose of your thesis is to explain your position—the central idea of the essay. Tell your reader what you will write in the paper and explain the significance of the subject.

The thesis statement is usually 1-2 sentences long and concludes the introduction paragraph. You can sketch out your thesis and add some touches after the paper is completed to make sure it meets the essay content.

4. ✔️ Introduction

Next, start with an introduction. Here you will have to briefly show the understanding of the teaching profession and its peculiarities:

  • A teacher essay introduction opens your paper with a hook. This first sentence aims to grab your reader’s attention. You can start it with a quote or an interesting fact.
  • Then provide the context necessary for understanding the issue.
  • End with the thesis statement. Make it as clear and precise as possible.
  • If you have time and space, outline the evidence that you’ll use in the body paragraphs.
  • Try to avoid phrases like “In this essay, I…” or “In my essay, I’m going…”

Here’s how your introduction can look like:

Teacher essay introduction sample.

5. ✔️ Body Paragraphs

Now, it’s time to recall all the arguments and evidence you put in your outline. You will write them in your essay body paragraphs. Depending on the required word count and the number of evidence, the paper body typically contains at least three body paragraphs.

However, some papers can have two body paragraphs. You should know that each idea and point of view must be stated in a separate part. If you have three or five arguments, you have to write three or five paragraphs in your essay, respectively.

Here’s our sample:

Teacher essay body sample.

6. ✔️ Conclusion

And the last but not the least part of your essay is the conclusion. Here you have to summarize all the ideas presented in the body section and explain how they meet your thesis statement.

Don’t try to repeat the thesis word by word or provide any new ideas. Here’s an example of a conclusion for an “I Want to Become a Teacher” essay:

Teacher essay conclusion sample.

If you used any sources, don’t forget to include the reference list in your paper according to the required citation style .

The purpose of the personal statement is to tell the admissions officer or recruiter why you decided to become a teacher. You can be required to submit one along with your college, university, scholarship, or job application.

A teacher’s personal statement is a document where you can express your personality. Want to learn all the dos and don’ts of its writing?

Just keep reading!

📝 Personal Statement: Tips

A typical personal statement is up to 700 words or 4,000 characters long, including intro, body, and conclusion. To keep word count tracking, you can type it in Word or Google Documents. Now, let’s consider critical points of personal statement writing that you can use for college/uni and job application:

  • Intro. Your introductory paragraph is an excellent opportunity to open the statement with memorable sentences about why you chose to become a teacher. Make it bright and clear.
  • Structure. As we mentioned above, each of your points should have supporting evidence. For example, if you’re writing about your experience, explain what you have learned and how this will help you in your future career.
  • Conclusion. The secret of good personal statement endings is to keep it simple and clear. Explain why you would be a perfect asset to this company or college and make a statement on why they would be lucky to have you as an employee or a student.
  • Personal statement for primary teaching. In case you’re going to apply for a teaching role or major, you should mention skills that will be useful for extracurricular school activities. You need to prove that you will be able to help with school plays or organize various off-class events.
  • Postgraduate personal statement. Here, you have to show your abilities and academic interests. Persuade the admission officers how you will benefit from studying the program and your impact on science.

The next point to consider is what to write in the body section of your “Why Do You Want to Be a Teacher” personal statement. Here are some questions to answer in your paper:

  • Why do you want to become a teacher?
  • Why did you decide to teach at this level?
  • What are your strengths?
  • Do you have teaching experience?
  • What personal skills do you have?
  • Why do you think you deserve a place in this company/university above others?
  • What is your background?
  • What are your career goals?

🙅‍♀️ Personal Statement: Common mistakes

A personal statement may be the only way to make a first impression on your recruiter or admissions officer. There might be no other opportunity. That’s why you must know the most common mistakes to avoid:

  • Negative tone. Believe us: no one wants to read the pessimistic, weak, or adverse essay. Even if you have to describe an uncomfortable fact, try to make it positive.
  • Using online templates. If you found a great personal statement template that you think will perfectly fit your paper, stop! Recruiters and college admissions have seen dozens and dozens of them, so there are high chances that your application will be declined. Spend a little more time and write a statement yourself.
  • Including irrelevant facts or lies. Recruiters spend, on average, six seconds on reading the CV and a personal statement. That’s why you should neither tell a cool story about your grandmother’s birthday nor tell lies. In the first case, it’s annoying. Moreover, it may lead to firing or dismissal from the college.
  • Using clichés, jargon, overused words, etc. A personal statement requires a formal tone, so conversational tone is merely unacceptable.
  • Using the same personal statement for different applications. Even if you send your application to ten different companies or colleges, personalize it! Include some facts from the firm’s or university’s history, mission, or vision, and explain how your skills meet them.
  • Leaving writing the statement to the last minute. It takes some time to prepare, draft, and polish your paper to make it stand out from other applications.

10 Cliches to avoid.

If you still need a “Why Do You Want to Be a Teacher?” personal statement example, check the sample below:

In case you want something more than “why did you decide to become a teacher,” check the topics below. We believe that your teacher will appreciate reading your paper.

  • A recess for primary school students. Imagine if you were a school principal. Would you sacrifice breaks in favor of additional study time? Explain your point of view.
  • Homework : yay or nay? Think about how much time students should spend on their homework in elementary school. Should there be any homework at all? Provide your points and evidence and show how they are connected to your teaching philosophy.
  • Technologies in education : pros and cons. Examine the advantages and disadvantages of using desktops and tablets at school and for homework.
  • Handwriting in elementary school . Some schools stopped teaching students cursive handwriting. Provide your point of view on whether handwriting is a lost art or an unnecessary relic.
  • School uniform and dress code. Should students wear a uniform? And what about the teachers?
  • Standardized tests in school. Are these tests discriminatory? Should they be tied to funding? Elaborate on whether they cause too much anxiety for students.
  • Second language learning : advantages and disadvantages. How many languages should an average school graduate know? Do pupils need to learn any second language at school?
  • Armed security in educational institutions. More and more school mass shootings are reported every year. Can armed guards protect students? Do your research on gun control and demonstrate your opinion.
  • Early start times at school . Explore how such start times impact on students’ perception of the lesson material.
  • Inclusive education for children with disabilities . Research the techniques that will fit your students with special needs. Show the connection between them and your teaching approach.
  • Personal philosophy of education and views on teacher’s career .
  • Discuss how teachers can influence students’ personal life .
  • Analyze the social and emotional competencies teachers should possess.
  • Describe the difficulties a teacher may face when working with children.
  • Personal development plan of a teacher .
  • Who is responsible for children’s low academic achievement.
  • Explain why you want to be physical education teacher .
  • Discuss pros and cons of distance education and traditional degree .
  • Describe an ideal public school .
  • Remembering who you were: my teacher .
  • What educational system would you prefer if you were a teacher?
  • Analyze the difficulties a teacher may face trying to implement multicultural educational practices .
  • Compare the efficiency of private and public schools .
  • Road to becoming a good teacher .
  • Why constant professional development is crucial for teachers.
  • Describe an educational style a teacher can use when teaching English as a second language .
  • Is music useful or harmful for student academic performance?
  • Methods teachers can use to improve the school for young learners.
  • Examine the effect a teacher has on student’s personality .
  • Discuss the specifics of teaching music in middle schools .
  • Analyze the crucial meaning of effective student-teacher interaction in inclusive education .
  • Explain the teacher’s role in integration of children with special needs .
  • Reading problems and ways of helping students with reading disabilities .
  • Describe the strategies a teacher can use to improve student learning .
  • What can a teacher do to help students in developing social and emotional skills ?
  • Examine the value of education in student life .
  • Why e-learning is an important part of contemporary education.
  • Teacher’s influence on student’s career choice .
  • Discuss the role teacher plays in students’ moral development .
  • What can a teacher do to avoid workplace burnout .
  • Compare and analyze the role of teachers and parents in students’ math performance .
  • Career goal of a maths teacher.
  • Should the government allow armed teachers on campus for students’ safety?
  • Examine the most important classroom management areas for a new teacher .
  • Why are laptops and iPads so important for students?
  • Analyze how book clubs for teachers can stimulate professional development.
  • Is it right to expel bullies from school ?
  • Motivation to choose a teacher’s profession .
  • Explain why teachers’ attitude is important for educational system success.
  • Why is low teacher retention a real problem and what can be done about that?

Want more tips and advice on resume writing? Check this article on how to make a resume written by our experts!

Good luck with your essay about being a teacher! Share the article with those who may need it.

Learn more on this topic:

  • Scholarship Essay Examples about Yourself
  • How to Write a Scholarship Essay about Why You Deserve It
  • Financial Assistance Essay: Useful Tips to Make It Rock
  • How to Write an Essay Describing Your Financial Need
  • Why i Want to be a Pharmacist Essay: Step-by-step Guide
  • College Application Essay Writing Mistakes to Avoid
  • How to Write a 250 Words College Personal Statement

Becoming a good professional has never been easy. Getting employed as a teacher is not the most difficult part of the process. Acquiring professionalism (e.g., building “soft skills,” psychological competence, broad knowledge base) takes more time and effort.

Formalities of the employment process might not coincide in Canada, US, UK, and any other location. The overall algorithm is as follows:

Choose an educational level and/or a subject to focus on. Study the requirements for the desired role and opportunities to meet them.

Start developing the competencies you are lacking.

Try to recollect how you first thought you would wanna become a teacher

Compose a list of the benefits of this rewarding occupation.

Organize the selected ideas to create a body of the essay. Write an appropriate introduction and conclusion.

Recollect what you dreamed about in your childhood.

Compare it with what you want to be in the future as of today.

Think about the reasons for your choice.

Present the comparison and why your choice looks like this in the essay body.

Write an appropriate introduction and conclusion.

  • 10 Reasons Why I Want to Be a Teacher
  • 19 Top Ideas for a “Why I want to be a Teacher” Essay
  • Reasons for Becoming a Teacher
  • My Dream to Be a Teacher | Essays
  • Interview Answer: “Why Did You Decide to Become a Teacher?”
  • Why Become a Teacher? Educators Share What They Love About Their Work
  • Why I Want to Become a Teacher
  • What Is an Autobiography?
  • How to Write an Autobiography: 8 Steps for Writing Your Autobiography
  • How to Write a Resume
  • How to Write a Perfect Teaching Resume (Examples Included)
  • Working Toward “Wow”: A Vision for a New Teaching Profession
  • Being a Teacher Essay
  • Essay on Teacher for Students and Children
  • 5 Reasons to Love Teaching
  • Why Do YOU Want to be a Teacher?
  • Review Essay: Reflections on Scholarship and Teaching in the Humanities
  • How To Write A Great Personal Statement For A Teaching Job
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Nice And informative article

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Glad you liked it, Thomas! Thanks for the feedback!

Thanks all of this was so helpful, could you send me more on being a teacher to my email [email protected]

Unfortunately, we don’t have more articles on teaching for the time being, but you can check the blog later in case we post something useful for you.

Nice and informative

Glad you liked the article, Muhammad!

This article is really very informative and full of great ideas.

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I am happy to see new creative writing and wonderful thoughts.

Thank you for your kind words, Riona!

These are super cool guidelines to help me with my essay. Fresh ideas started popping right up. Thnx a whole bunch!

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I Want to Be a Teacher: 10 Essays

Do you want to become a teacher? So do the university and college students who wrote these essays.

Here we share 10 essays from education students who explain their reasons for wanting to become teachers. In each essay, a student discusses the reasons why they want to be a teacher and their motivation for studying towards their education degree.

The essays share similar themes of passion, commitment, and perseverance in pursuing a career in teaching. We hope you find them informative, useful and inspiring!

1. Future Leaders

The first essay discusses the importance of being a difference-maker and inspiring future leaders through a classroom that celebrates individuality and inclusion.

In a society where diversity is often not embraced, I strive to be the change that we need to see. This is why I have chosen to pursue a career in teaching. My goal is to be a role model of compassion and support for every individual in my classroom; to make sure that my students know that they are valued for who they are.

As I begin my journey as a university student, my focus is firmly fixed on my future students. Even though I haven’t met them yet, they inspire me to work hard in my studies and to remain hopeful for what lies ahead. I am determined to create a learning environment that fosters creative thinking and celebrates the unique qualities that each of my students possess.

As a teacher, my aim is to have a positive impact on the next generation, motivating and encouraging them to succeed and pursue their dreams while also making a difference in the world. I believe that teaching the value of inclusivity and the power of kindness will help to shape my students into forward-thinking and well-educated members of society.

Ultimately, I aspire to help create a world where diversity is not only accepted but celebrated, where every individual is valued and appreciated for their unique talents and qualities. Through my role as a teacher, I am confident that I can play a part in making this vision a reality. I’m excited to embark on this journey with my future students.

2. For My Students

Essay number two highlights the student’s personal experience of being inspired by teachers in high school who helped her thrive and how she aims to do the same for her future students, particularly those from low-income schools.

As I reflect on my journey towards becoming a teacher, I realize that my ultimate motivation is not my own success, but the success of my future students. When faced with challenging coursework or long hours of studying, it’s the thought of being a positive influence on their lives that keeps me going.

My high school experience was one of confusion and uncertainty. I know that many other students in similar situations need guidance and support. No child should feel lost or hopeless when it comes to their future. As an educator, it’s my responsibility to help them navigate the path towards success. I understand the struggles of those from low-income backgrounds, and am committed to helping these students achieve more than they thought possible.

I plan to work in a school that faces similar challenges to the one I attended. These schools often lack the resources needed to provide students with the best opportunities. But I aim to be a resource for them. My hope is to be an inspiration to my students, to show them that anything is possible with hard work and determination. I want them to see that kindness and respect can go a long way, and that helping others can be a rewarding experience.

As a teacher, I want to be the one my students remember for the rest of their lives. I want to be the teacher who helped them achieve their goals and encouraged them to strive for more. My personal success will be measured by the success of my students. If even one student decides to pursue higher education or achieve more than they ever thought possible, then I will have achieved my dream. I know that being a teacher will be challenging, but it is the thought of positively influencing the lives of my students that will keep me going.

3. ESL Children

The third essay is about the goal of becoming an English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teacher to help young ESL children succeed in a world where an education in their native language is often unavailable.

I’m a Hispanic young woman working towards my goal of earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Bilingual Education. At times, I definitely have felt a slowing in my motivation. But, every time that happens, I think about my end goal and that gets me moving again.

I recall one middle school class where a boy caught my attention. He remained disengaged and would never participate in class. After interacting with him, I learned that he spoke broken English with a Spanish accent, and that he struggled to understand his teacher’s lessons because they were delivered in English. It was clear that he had given up due to his past experiences.

Thinking about that boy and the struggles he faced inspires me to keep working hard. I am determined to become an English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teacher so that I can make a positive impact on young ESL children and show them that they can succeed in this world. I refuse to let another child believe that they are incapable of learning simply because they do not speak English fluently. Children are the future, and it is my goal to make sure that the future includes all children, regardless of their first language.

I know that pursuing a degree in Bilingual Education will not be easy, but I am ready to put in the work. I believe that being able to communicate with and support non-native English speakers will be an essential part of my role as a teacher. It will be a privilege to help them understand the material and overcome language barriers. In the end, the reward of seeing my students succeed and grow will be more than enough to keep me motivated.

4. Want to Give

Essay 4 expresses a desire to teach English literature and the importance of giving back to others through teaching.

Dreams are not just about our own personal desires and aspirations. They also have the power to inspire and uplift others, and this is something that has always been important to me.

Throughout history, some of the most important and influential people have had a vision for the future that went beyond their own individual success. Martin Luther King, Jr. is a prime example of this. In his famous “I have a Dream” speech, he spoke not just about his own dreams, but about the dreams of a whole community.

A desire to help and inspire others has been a driving force in my life. When I was in college, I was also caring for my disabled mother, who was a religious studies professor. Despite the challenges of being a caregiver and a student at the same time, I was motivated by my desire to teach English literature. My mother’s influence also taught me the importance of diligence and steadfastness in pursuing my goals.

As I graduated from California Baptist University with my degree in English literature, my mother was facing a new challenge: she had been diagnosed with throat cancer. But even in the face of this difficult news, she continued to encourage me to finish my final paper so that I could graduate. With her love and support, as well as my own religious faith, I was able to complete my degree and move forward towards my dream of becoming a teacher.

For me, the idea of giving back is a central part of my dream. I believe that teaching is a way to share what I have learned with others and to inspire them to pursue their own dreams. Life is full of challenges, but by striving towards our goals and dreams, we can make a positive impact on the world around us. This is what motivates me to keep studying and working towards my dream of becoming a teacher.

5. Giving Back

The fifth essay discusses a young woman’s personal experience of being a special education student in primary school and how that has motivated her to become a teacher who can make a difference in the lives of many children.

I believe that my motivation to become a teacher stems from my own experiences as a special education student. As a child, I often felt lost and hopeless in school, but I was lucky to have amazing teachers who helped me succeed. Their support inspired me to want to become a teacher myself so that I could help other students who were struggling.

Whenever I feel unmotivated, I think of the impact that I can have on children’s lives. I think about the children who are struggling in school, just like I did, and I know that I have the power to make a positive difference in their lives. It’s not just about helping them get good grades; it’s about giving them the confidence and support they need to succeed in all aspects of their lives.

I also find motivation in the fact that every child is unique and has their own set of strengths and challenges. As a teacher, I want to create an environment where all students feel seen and heard, and where they can thrive in their own way. I want to help them discover their strengths and build on them, while also providing support and guidance in areas where they may struggle.

In the end, my motivation is not just about me and my own success, but about the success of my future students. I believe that every child deserves a chance to succeed, and I want to be the teacher who helps them achieve their dreams.

6. Good Morning

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In Essay 6, the author discusses the flaws they see in the current education system and their desire to become a teacher to create positive change from within.

I completely understand what it feels like to not be considered “naturally intelligent.” I too have never been the kind of person who can easily get good grades without putting in the hard work. But that’s precisely what motivates me to study harder and push myself to be the best I can be.

For me, that motivation comes from my dream of becoming a primary school teacher. I want to be the kind of teacher who can inspire children to pursue their passions and achieve their dreams, just like my teachers did for me. When I see the joy on my siblings’ faces when they understand a new concept, it makes me even more determined to pursue my dream.

Despite the long hours of studying and the sacrifice of my free time, I never lose sight of my end goal. The thought of being able to introduce myself to a new class of students and say, “Good morning class, my name is Ms. Meyers,” makes all the hard work worth it. I know that I can make a real difference in the lives of my students, and that is what keeps me going.

So, even though I may not be a naturally gifted student, I know that with hard work and dedication, I can achieve my dreams and become the kind of teacher I have always wanted to be.

7. Listen to Them

In the 7th essay, the future education explains their childhood dream of becoming a teacher and how they have pursued this dream through their education.

As someone who dreams of becoming a teacher, my motivation stems from the desire to be a positive influence on my students’ lives. Through volunteering with local youth organisations, I’ve had the opportunity to interact with teenagers and to be a role model and advocate for them. These experiences have only served to strengthen my passion for teaching.

One of the most rewarding things is being able to speak with teens about their lives and listen to their experiences. I remember how much it meant to me when I had someone who took the time to listen and provide guidance when I was a student. As a future teacher, I want to be as engaged as possible in my students’ growth and to treat them with the respect and care they deserve.

One of the challenges I’ve noticed when working with some of the students from these organisations is that they come from unique social and economic backgrounds that can make them feel ostracised by their peers. By being aware of their stories and experiences, I believe I can create an inclusive environment that recognises and values the diversity that each student brings to the classroom.

Through my experiences, I’ve learned that it’s not enough to just teach the curriculum; as an educator, I want to make a positive impact on my students’ lives and help them become confident and capable individuals. I believe that by being an attentive listener, providing guidance and support, and embracing diversity, I can help my future students achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

8. Life Coach

In the 8th essay, the author discusses their passion for teaching and how they want to empower young minds to think critically, creatively, and independently.

As I progress in my studies towards becoming a high school teacher, my motivation only grows stronger. Knowing that I have the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of teenagers, who are in the process of shaping their future and the future of generations to come, is a huge responsibility that I don’t take lightly.

When I think about the immense responsibility of being a mentor to my students, it can be overwhelming. But I believe that the potential positive outcomes far outweigh the challenges. For many teenagers, school is a safe haven and I want to be a teacher that my students can look up to and trust. I want to be the teacher that they can confide in and feel comfortable with, knowing that I am there for them, no matter what.

Having had the experience of not always feeling safe and secure at home, I want to be that support system for my students. I want them to know that they can rely on me to be there for them, to listen and to offer guidance. I believe that this will be a long-term effect, as my students will not only find comfort in my class but also find the motivation to continue to strive in their studies and reach their full potential.

Reflecting on my own high school experience, I remember Coach Morgan, who was funny, practical, and nice. He was the kind of teacher that every student trusted, and I want to be that kind of teacher for my students. I want to be the teacher that my students can count on, the one who they can trust and the one who they will always remember as a positive influence in their lives. It is this desire to be that teacher, to make that impact, that drives me to study and work hard to achieve my goal.

9. The Motivator

Essay 9 emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with students to create a positive learning environment and how the future educator wants to do this as a teacher.

As a high school senior, I’m at a turning point in my life where I’m excited about what the future holds for me. After much thought and consideration, I’ve decided to pursue an online teaching degree in Primary Education at university. It’s an opportunity for me to give back to the community and make a positive difference in the lives of young children.

Looking back on my own school experiences, I’ve had the privilege of being taught by some truly inspiring individuals who have helped me discover my passion for teaching. These teachers were not just educators, they were role models who motivated and encouraged me to achieve my goals. Their dedication and love for their work have inspired me to follow in their footsteps.

As a future teacher, my goal is to be just as effective as the teachers who have had a profound impact on my life. I want to make a difference in the lives of my students and inspire them to reach their full potential. In today’s world, children need someone to look up to, to encourage and motivate them, and I want to be that person for them.

Knowing that I can be a positive influence in a child’s life is what motivates me to pursue my dreams. I’m determined to succeed, to be a successful university student, and eventually, a successful teacher. I’m excited about what lies ahead, and I’m ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come my way. My university education is the first step towards a bright future, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.

10. Special Needs

In the final essay, the writer describes their deep sense of calling to become a teacher and how they want to use their skills and talents to inspire and make a positive impact on the lives of their students.

I see him walk into the gym. We make eye contact. His arms open and he smiles as big as he can. He makes his way up the challenging steps on the bleachers to get to me. He hugs me harder than anyone else. He doesn’t judge how I look or what I am wearing. He is truly happy to see me for who I am. He has down syndrome and his name is Kellan.

The moment I met Kellan was a defining one in my life. I had always known that I wanted to make a difference in the world, but in that instant, I realized that the difference I wanted to make was for children like Kellan. His pure joy and acceptance of me, without any judgement, was a transformative experience.

My dream is to create a safe and nurturing environment for all of my students, just as Kellan has shown me. I want to create a classroom where my students feel seen, heard, and understood. I believe that by building strong relationships with my students, I can help them to overcome any obstacle they may face.

Kellan’s resilience and determination are an inspiration to me. I want to help all of my students to develop the same level of self-confidence and to see that they are capable of achieving anything they set their minds to. I want to help my students to develop a growth mindset, to see that mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow, and to never give up on themselves.

Kellan will always hold a special place in my heart. His warm embrace and genuine happiness have left an indelible mark on my soul. I know that my dream of making a difference in the lives of children is not only achievable but also necessary. I will continue to work hard to become the best educator I can be and make a positive impact in the lives of my future students.

I Want to Become a Teacher Because | My Dream Job Essay
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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Personal Goals — One of the Hardest Decisions: Why I Want to be a Teacher

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Why I Want to Be a Teacher: Benefits and Rewards

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Why do I want to be a teacher? (essay)

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“why i want to be a teacher” essay writing guide.

why i want to be teacher essay

If you are reading this article, you are most probably interested in learning how to write a why i want to be a teacher essay. The good news is that you have arrived at just the right place. We will show you how to write the paper quickly , in just 7 steps. You can even use our guide to write a teacher of the year essay. You will also get some excellent ideas about what to write as well. Of course, our guide would not be complete without some tips and tricks. To write an excellent why do i want to be a teacher essay in record time, just read our guide. It won’t take more than 5 minutes of your time, but it will save you hours.

Should I Write an Essay on Why I Want to Be a Teacher?

In many cases, writing a why i want to be a teacher essay is not entirely up to you. Sometimes, your professor may request you to write such a paper. You are free to choose between writing a reasons to become a teacher essay or an essay on my favorite teacher. It doesn’t really matter which one you choose because our guide can be used to write any of them.

If your professor doesn’t ask you to write such a paper, it’s still not a bad idea to write an essay about teaching. We can assure you that you will have a lot of fun putting yourself in your teacher’s shoes. Keep in mind that writing such an academic paper still requires you to follow all applicable academic writing standards. Also, make sure you don’t sound subjective or biased. Whatever you do, avoid offending your teacher or your fellow students.

Ideas for Your I Like Teaching Because Essay

Writing a being a teacher essay is not difficult. However, you will need some excellent ideas if you want your paper to stand out from the rest. Here are some of the most interesting reasons you can talk about in your why become a teacher essay:

  • You want to help children learn more effectively.
  • You want to influence future generations.
  • You want to give back to the community.
  • You want to help students become better citizens.
  • You want to improve the lives of children.
  • You are a patient person who likes teaching children.
  • You want to learn how to teach to difficult students.
  • You want to learn more about the art of teaching.

Remember that all these ideas work great in a what are the qualities of a good teacher essay. You can pick 3 of them and talk about them in three separate paragraphs.

7 Steps to Write a Why I Want to Be a Teacher Essay

Do you want to write a what makes a good teacher essay, philosophy of teaching essay, or a my favorite teacher essay? It is not difficult at all, so don’t panic. In fact, if you follow our guide, you will surely be able to write such a paper in around two or three hours. Here is exactly what you have to do:

  • Pick a great topic for your teaching essay writing project. You want to find something 100% original; something that none of your classmates have thought of.
  • You need to do some research for your teaching experience essay. You can find plenty of information about teaching and about the traits of a good teacher on the Internet. There are also plenty of print sources, such as books, you can use.
  • Whether you are writing a my teaching philosophy essay or a why I want to be a teacher paper, you should start your writing with an outline . It will help you stay on topic and organize your paper in a logical manner.
  • Craft the introduction . This is the part where you provide some background information about the subject (what made you think you want to be a teacher?). Also, don’t forget to include your thesis statement in the intro. You can insert a funny little joke or an anecdote in the introduction.
  • Write three body paragraphs . Each body paragraph should deal with a single important idea. When writing an essay on teaching, it’s good practice to start the paragraph with the main idea and then use the rest of the paragraph to support it.
  • Add the conclusion . This is the part where you have to summarize everything you’ve talked about and remind the audience of your thesis statement. You can include a call to action at the end of the conclusion, if you so desire. There is nothing wrong with this.
  • Edit and proofread your qualities of a good teacher essay. This is extremely important because you want the paper to be perfect. After all, you are aiming for an A+, are you not?

Tips and Tricks to Write a Good Teacher Essay

Truth be told, teacher essay writing is not difficult at all. You just need to be able to do some research and perhaps put yourself in your professor’s shoes. You will change your mind about your teacher when you realize what he or she has to go through every day, we can assure you of that.

To make sure you do a great job, try to make your essay a short story. Your audience should be able to relate to you. Have fun writing the paper, even though you are required to do it. Another great idea is to try to find things that surprise you while you are doing the research. These things will surprise your readers as well, including your teacher.

Remember to always start your paper with an outline and to stay on the point. It is very important to organize your essay very well. The structure we presented above is the 5 paragraph structure and it works amazingly well for why i want to be a teaching assistant essay. Just make sure each body paragraph discusses a single main idea.

You should include both your opinions and your research. This is not a work of fiction, so you need to be able to support your claims and statements with facts collected from reputable sources (cited and referenced properly).

Need a Great Teaching Application Essay?

If you are running out of time writing a complex teaching philosophy essay, or if you need professional help with writing a teaching application essay, you should hire one of our seasoned academic writers. Getting some help from a degree holder can prove to be invaluable. If you are a student looking for some teaching essay writing help , our team can help you get the A+ that you need to save your GPA. If you are a future teacher, we have the experts you need to craft an amazing application essay.

Bottom line, writing an essay about being a teacher is not as difficult as you think. You just need to stay organized, stay on point, and make sure the paper is written in perfect academic format. And if you need some help with editing or proofreading with your why do you want to be a teacher essay, just let us know.

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Becoming a Teacher: What I Learned about Myself During the Pandemic

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Introduction to the Article by Andrew Stremmel

Now, more than ever, we need to hear the voices of preservice teachers as well as in-service teachers during this pandemic. How has the pandemic affected them? In what ways has the pandemic enabled them to think about the need to really focus on what matters, what’s important? What were the gains and losses? These are very important questions for our time.  In this essay, Alyssa Smith, a senior studying early childhood education, attempts to address the lessons learned from her junior year, focusing on the positive aspects of her coursework and demonstrating an imaginative, growth mindset. This essay highlights the power of students’ reflection on their own learning. But I think it does so much more meaningful contemplation than we might expect of our students in “normal” times. Alyssa gains a new appreciation for this kind of active reflection—the opportunity to think more critically; to be more thoughtful; to stop, step back, catch her breath, and rethink things. As a teacher educator and her mentor, I believe this essay represents how the gift of time to stop and reflect can open space to digest what has been experienced, and how the gift of reflective writing can create a deeper level of thinking about how experiences integrate with one’s larger narrative as a person.

About the Author

Andrew Stremmel, PhD, is professor in early childhood education at South Dakota State University. His research is in teacher action research and Reggio Emilia-inspired, inquiry-based approaches to early childhood teacher education. He is an executive editor of  Voices of Practitioners .  

I’ve always known I was meant to be a teacher. I could feel my passion guide my work and lead my heart through my classes. So why did I still feel as if something was missing? During the fall of my junior year, the semester right before student teaching, I began to doubt my ability to be a great teacher, as I did not feel completely satisfied in my work. What I did not expect was a global pandemic that would shut down school and move all coursework online. I broke down. I wanted to do more than simply be a good student. I wanted to learn to be a great teacher. How was I supposed to discover my purpose and find what I was missing when I couldn’t even attend my classes? I began to fret that I would never become the capable and inspirational educator that I strived to be, when I was missing the firsthand experience of being in classrooms, interacting with children, and collaborating with peers.

It wasn’t until my first full semester being an online student that I realized the pandemic wasn’t entirely detrimental to my learning. Two of my early childhood education courses, Play and Inquiry and Pedagogy and Curriculum, allowed limited yet meaningful participation in a university lab school as well as engagement with problems of substance that require more intense thinking, discussion, analysis, and thoughtful action. These problems, which I briefly discuss below, presented challenges, provocations, possibilities, and dilemmas to be pondered, and not necessarily resolved. Specifically, they pushed me to realize that the educational question for our time is not, “What do I need to know about how to teach?” Rather, it is, “What do I need to know about myself in the context of this current pandemic?” I was therefore challenged to think more deeply about who I wanted to be as a teacher and who I was becoming, what I care about and value, and how I will conduct myself in the classroom with my students.

These three foundations of teaching practice (who I want to be, what I value, and how I will conduct myself) were illuminated by a question that was presented to us students in one of the very first classes of the fall 2020 semester: “What’s happening right now in your experience that will help you to learn more about yourself and who you are becoming?” This provocation led me to discover that, while the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light (and at times magnified) many fears and insecurities I had as a prospective teacher, it also provided me with unique opportunities, time to reflect, and surprising courage that I feel would not otherwise have been afforded and appreciated.

Although I knew I wanted to be a teacher, I had never deliberately pondered the idea of what kind of teacher I wanted to be. I held the core values of being an advocate for children and helping them grow as confident individuals, but I still had no idea what teaching style I was to present. Fortunately, the pandemic enabled me to view my courses on play and curriculum as a big “look into the mirror” to discern what matters and what was important about becoming a teacher.

As I worked through the rest of the course, I realized that this project pushed me to think about my identity as an educator in relation to my students rather than simply helping me understand my students, as I initially thought. Instead, a teacher’s identity is formed in relation to or in relationship with our students: We take what we know about our students and use it to shape ourselves and how we teach. I found that I had to take a step back and evaluate my own perceptions and beliefs about children and who I am in relation to them. Consequently, this motivated me to think about myself as a classroom teacher during the COVID-19 pandemic. What did I know about children that would influence the way I would teach them?

I thought about how children were resilient, strong, and adaptable, possessing an innate ability to learn in nearly any setting. While there were so many uncertainties and fear surrounding them, they adapted to mask-wearing, limited children in the classroom, and differentiated tasks to limit cross-contamination. Throughout, the children embodied being an engaged learner. They did not seem to focus on what they were missing; their limitless curiosity could not keep them from learning. Yet, because young children learn primarily through relationships, they need some place of learning that helps them to have a connection with someone who truly knows, understands, and cares about them. Thus, perhaps more than any lesson, I recognized my relationship with children as more crucial. By having more time to think about children from this critical perspective, I felt in my heart the deeper meaning children held to me.

My compassion for children grew, and a greater respect for them took shape, which overall is what pushed me to see my greater purpose for who I want to be as an educator. The pandemic provided time to develop this stronger vision of children, a clearer understanding of how they learn, and how my identity as a teacher is formed in relationship with children. I don’t think I would have been able to develop such a rich picture of how I view children without an in-depth exploration of my identity, beliefs, and values.

In my curriculum course, I was presented a different problem that helped me reflect on who I am becoming as an educator. This was presented as a case study where we as students were asked the question, “Should schools reopen amidst the COVID-19 pandemic?” This was a question that stumped school districts around the nation, making me doubt that I would be able to come up with anything that would be remotely practical. I now was experiencing another significant consequence of the pandemic: a need for new, innovative thinking on how to address state-wide academic issues. My lack of confidence, paired with the unknowns presented by the pandemic, made me feel inadequate to take on this problem of meaning.

To address this problem, I considered more intentionally and reflectively what I knew about how children learn; issues of equity and inequality that have led to a perceived achievement gap; the voices of both teachers and families; a broader notion of what school might look like in the “new normal”; and the role of the community in the education of young children. Suddenly, I was thinking in a more critical way about how to address this problem from the mindset of an actual and more experienced teacher, one who had never faced such a conundrum before. I knew that I had to design a way to allow children to come back into a classroom setting, and ultimately find inspiration for learning in this new normal. I created this graphic (above) to inform families and teachers why it is vital to have students return to school. As a result, I became an educator. I was now thinking, feeling, and acting as a teacher. This case study made me think about myself and who I am becoming as a teacher in a way that was incredibly real and relevant to what teachers were facing. I now found inspiration in the COVID-19 pandemic, as it unlocked elements of myself that I did not know existed.

John Dewey (1916) has been attributed to stating, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” Learning may begin in the classroom, but it does not end there. Likewise, teaching is not a role, but a way of being. The ability to connect with children and to engage them meaningfully depends less on the methods we use than on the degree to which we know and trust ourselves and are willing to share that knowledge with them. That comes through continually reflecting on who we are in relation to children and their families, and what we do in the classroom to create more meaningful understanding of our experiences. By embodying the role of being an educator, I grew in ways that classroom curriculum couldn't prepare me for. Had it not been for the pandemic, this might not have been possible.

Dewey, J. 1916. Democracy and Education: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education . New York: MacMillan.

Alyssa Marie Smith  is currently an early childhood education student studying at South Dakota State University. She has been a student teacher in the preschool lab on campus, and now works as a kindergarten out of school time teacher in this same lab school. In the fall, she plans to student teach in an elementary setting, and then go on to teach in her own elementary classroom.

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Why I Want To Be A Teacher Essay: Best Writing Practices

why i want to be teacher essay

When pursuing an education major program, many students are asked to write why I want to be a teacher essay. Well, being a middle school or high school teacher is amazing. That’s why many people strive for it. However, somebody may want to know why you want to be a teacher. That’s why your teacher may ask you to write a why do I want to be a teacher essay.

If having difficulties writing an essay on why I want to a teacher, you have come to the right place. This article presents useful life hacks and tips to help you write this essay.

What a Why I Want to Be a Teacher Essay is All About

It’s easy to assume that this is just another essay about teaching. However, it’s not just another essay. You need to know what to talk about when writing this essay. Some educators provide guidelines for writing this essay similarly to never give up essay . But, this is not a general essay about becoming a teacher. It’s why do you want to be a teacher essay. Therefore, focus on answering the question asked by the essay prompt or topic.

However, you still need to conduct careful and thorough research on teaching as a profession. You also have to include information about the education or school system. Nevertheless, all the information collected should be based on the notion that you’re writing reasons to become a teacher essay.

Teaching Application Essay

Perhaps, you are applying for a teaching job and one of the requirements for the position is to write why become a teacher essay. In that case, this essay is an important part of the application. Therefore, focus on proving to your potential employer that you have all requirements of this career.

In some cases, being a teacher essay is like a cover letter or a CV. However, this is a different paper. Here are some of the things to include in this essay: Relevant hobbies and experiences that show that you’re a good candidate for a teaching job. Personalization that tells the potential employer more about you and abilities to solve specific problems. Your enthusiasm, ambitions, and attitudes towards different teaching theories.

You can also compose why I want to be a teaching assistant essay. But, your goal should be to show the reader that you have what it takes to be a good teacher.

Personal Statement Essay

Maybe you are writing this essay when applying for college. In that case, focus on writing I like teaching because essay. Ideally, you want to interview panel to see why you prefer to become a teacher and nothing else.

  • Unlike a teaching job application essay, a personal statement essay gives you more space to be creative.
  • Nevertheless, you should customize this essay to express your personality features and ambitions.
  • Make sure that the reader sees that you can become a great teacher when given a chance to study.
  • Therefore, come up with the best personal statement essay after conducting extensive research on the topic, as well as, analyzing your strengths and personality features.

Essay on Teaching as a Career

Perhaps, your educator has asked you to complete a teacher essay writing task. In that case, you may be given instructions or guidelines to follow when completing this task. If not, you may have the freedom to decide on the perspective to take when writing the essay.

  • You can opt to write what makes a good teacher essay. This can be the same as my favorite teacher essay or an essay on my favorite teacher.
  • In this case, your essay should highlight the qualities of a great teacher. Focus on the teaching profession in general and highlight the attributes of a good teacher.
  • If you decide to talk about your favorite teacher, show the reader that this particular educator possesses the attributes of a great teacher. Perhaps, you’re wondering how this essay can be used to explain why you want to become a teacher.
  • Well, writing such an essay enables you to show the reader that you know the qualities of a good teacher and you have them or you’re willing to acquire them.
  • You can also write a teacher of the year essay and show the readers why you admire them.
  • Let your readers see your admiration of the person voted as the teacher of the year and you are determined to get similar recognition in the future.

Qualities of a Good Teacher Essay

Some educators are explicit when it comes to the topics they ask students to write about. If asked to write an essay on the qualities of a good teacher, you must conduct extensive research. Focus on the qualifications and skills required to become a teacher. Additionally, show what a teacher needs to do their job effectively and efficiently.

When writing what are the qualities of a good teacher essay, come out clearly by listing those qualities. For instance, your good teacher essay can argue that this professional should be skilled and knowledgeable. That’s because you can’t teach another person what you don’t know. You can also tell your readers why a person needs good grades to become a teacher.

Essentially, make sure that your essay shows how the qualities you highlight makes one a good teacher. You can also describe the responsibilities and duties of a teacher like communicating with students and parents, as well as, grading assignments. Show how the qualities that you highlight make one good and performing those responsibilities and duties.

My Teaching Philosophy Essay

A teaching philosophy essay should discuss the strategies, visions, and principles that are associated with the teaching activity. Teaching is more than just another profession. It entails molding people to become great professionals in different careers. It’s through teaching that people acquire an education that transforms their lives and societies. That’s why most societies place great importance on this career.

  • When writing a philosophy of teaching essay, discuss different methodologies and approaches that are used to educate pupils and students.
  • Show why it’s important to keep improving them to match the ever-evolving aspirations, understanding, and demands of modern societies.
  • As an educator, you can develop your teaching philosophy. Your essay should show how you can do this by improving, adapting, and fine-tuning common knowledge via your beliefs, understanding, and experiences.
  • Make sure that your essay shows how advances in the philosophy of teachers can drive major changes in the educational sector and policies.
  • Most importantly, make sure that your educator sees that you understand what teaching philosophy is, the role it plays, and its importance.

Teaching essay writing is not an easy task. A learner must understand what teaching entails, what it takes to become a good teacher, what the society expects from teachers and the philosophy associated with this profession. When writing a teaching experience essay, a student may have to talk to teachers to gain insights into this profession from them. Most importantly, this essay should have an introduction, body, and conclusion. It should also have a thesis statement that tells readers what your essay is all about. And after reading the essay, readers should understand why you want to become a teacher. Ask our essay writers to help you, if you still have questions.

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Essay on Science for Students and Children

500+ words essay on science.

Essay on science:  As we look back in our ancient times we see so much development in the world. The world is full of gadgets and machinery . Machinery does everything in our surroundings. How did it get possible? How did we become so modern? It was all possible with the help of science. Science has played a major role in the development of our society. Furthermore, Science has made our lives easier and carefree.

Essay on science

Science in our Daily Lives

As I have mentioned earlier Science has got many changes in our lives. First of all, transportation is easier now. With the help of Science it now easier to travel long distances . Moreover, the time of traveling is also reduced. Various high-speed vehicles are available these days. These vehicles have totally changed. The phase of our society. Science upgraded steam engines to electric engines. In earlier times people were traveling with cycles. But now everybody travels on motorcycles and cars. This saves time and effort. And this is all possible with the help of Science.

Secondly, Science made us reach to the moon. But we never stopped there. It also gave us a glance at Mars. This is one of the greatest achievements. This was only possible with Science. These days Scientists make many satellites . Because of which we are using high-speed Internet. These satellites revolve around the earth every day and night. Even without making us aware of it. Science is the backbone of our society. Science gave us so much in our present time. Due to this, the teacher in our schools teaches Science from an early age.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Science as a Subject

In class 1 only a student has Science as a subject. This only tells us about the importance of Science. Science taught us about Our Solar System. The Solar System consists of 9 planets and the Sun. Most Noteworthy was that it also tells us about the origin of our planet. Above all, we cannot deny that Science helps us in shaping our future. But not only it tells us about our future, but it also tells us about our past.

When the student reaches class 6, Science gets divided into three more subcategories. These subcategories were Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. First of all, Physics taught us about the machines. Physics is an interesting subject. It is a logical subject.

Furthermore, the second subject was Chemistry . Chemistry is a subject that deals with an element found inside the earth. Even more, it helps in making various products. Products like medicine and cosmetics etc. result in human benefits.

Last but not least, the subject of Biology . Biology is a subject that teaches us about our Human body. It tells us about its various parts. Furthermore, it even teaches the students about cells. Cells are present in human blood. Science is so advanced that it did let us know even that.

Leading Scientists in the field of Science

Finally, many scientists like Thomas Edison , Sir Isaac Newton were born in this world. They have done great Inventions. Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. If he did not invent that we would stay in dark. Because of this Thomas Edison’s name marks in history.

Another famous Scientist was Sir Isaac Newton . Sir Isaac Newton told us about Gravity. With the help of this, we were able to discover many other theories.

In India Scientists A..P.J Abdul was there. He contributed much towards our space research and defense forces. He made many advanced missiles. These Scientists did great work and we will always remember them.

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What My Professors Never Told Me About Teaching

why i want to be a science teacher essay

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When I was in graduate school studying to teach English/language arts, my professors taught me about the value of student choice and the profound impact of a worthwhile text in the hands of a hungry learner. They taught me about classroom setup and assessments and the power of ceaseless positivity. Valuable lessons, of course, but weightless compared with the real challenges of teaching.

A decade in, here is what I wish they had taught me:

Your work is necessary—but it is work.

You will not be properly thanked, through money or otherwise. You did not go into it for thanks and you will not get thanks out of it.

Opinion illustration of teachers and students, about job perceptions.

You will sometimes forget that you are working, when a lesson is engaging and you have kids who are really interested in their learning, but mostly you will cram the grueling labor of mind growing into inedible chunks, force feeding, and begging for something— anything —to take.

You will question the necessity of the work, especially when nearly everyone believes they could do the job better than you can, and what’s more, that you should do it for less money and more hours because the love alone should be enough to sustain you.

While the work is necessary, it does not necessarily have to be yours. Only you will know when the work, for you, has ended. It is OK to let it go.

You will rely on your routine.

Alarm. Snooze. Alarm. Snooze. Alarm. Rise. You will park in the same spot and you will become irrationally irritated when a new car parks over the line. You will appreciate the breaks—you will need them. You will learn to schedule your restroom breaks by a bell and you will learn to eat breakfast and lunch at unholy hours.

You will know the waxing and waning moon by the moods of your students. You will come to dread the day before Thanksgiving and the week before Christmas, though of course, you will need the time to recover. You will limp your way through spring to summer break—which you will adamantly inform the uniformed public is not paid vacation but deferred-pay vacation. You need this summer break to soak up sun and energy for another year.

You will feel lonely and insignificant.

Most of your time will be spent in cinder block cells, in markedly prisonlike edifices. Sometimes, the teachers in your same content area and grade will be called your ‘team,” but, ultimately, you are a team of one. You will see yourself lined up as a series of statistics next to the names of students you have only barely begun to know and you will be asked to account for those numbers. You will doubt yourself and you will wonder if you have made a mistake.

Decisions will be made about you and for you. You will realize you are mostly a customer service representative. You will have books plucked from your hands with spines unbent, words unseen. Everyone who only has a passing knowledge of your school will have an opinion on what should happen inside.

You will be called into meetings over and again asking you to remember your purpose and to love away the pain of your chosen career. If you are ever angry, you will be asked to reevaluate your values.

You will find solace in your colleagues.

Without them, you will not survive. You will laugh at yourself as you lament the good old days with the people on your same journey. You will not like all of them. You will find yourself envious of those who love and are loved, of those who leave work at work and don’t think about it until the next school day, of those who are seen. You will despise yourself for this envy, which you will understand is the thief of joy.

But you will also have your work to thank for introducing you to your best friends—you will never have found them otherwise. And you will need to find them. You will need to find joy, because time is finite, and all of your joy cannot be reserved for after hours and weekends.

You will find this joy in the people beside you. They will be your lifeline and, though this work will always feel impossible, they will make it a little more possible.

You will be sowing seeds in the dark.

You will spend about 108 hours with each new student. Of these 108 hours, your time will be divided across a number of tasks: taking attendance, conducting safety drills, monitoring assemblies, escorting students to various locations, mediating their disputes, redirecting their outbursts, and, occasionally, teaching. Interspersed in the bursts of teaching the content, you will learn about your students’ lives and wonder who they will become after you.

Conceptual Illustration

You will laugh with them or when they are not looking (if you are the stoic and serious type), cry with them, grieve with them.

You will experience great joy and, sometimes, immense anger with them. You are human, and, as you will quickly learn, this is the most human of all the professions.

Occasionally, you will hear from them years later, but mostly you will not see the effects of whatever you have—or haven’t—done.

You are more powerful than you think.

You are. People will tell you that you are not. Parents will tell you that you are not. Legislators and other politicians, superintendents and principals, and even other teachers will devalue you. You will learn to let them. You will see the evidence of your worth and you remember what they do not: When COVID closes the classrooms, they will not be able to continue their lives without you. They will need you more than you ever need them.

You will be encouraged to forget this in favor of “remembering your why.” Instead, remember your power.

You know you will not see the fruits of your labor, but you know your labor will bear fruit. You have not toiled to see the earth you have tended go barren. You will develop an infinite capacity for hope. When all else fails (and it will all fail again and again), this hope must sustain you.

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April 2, 2024

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How can Australia solve the math teacher shortage? It can start by training more existing teachers to teach math

by Ian Gordon, Mary P. Coupland and Merrilyn Goos, The Conversation

math

Imagine if you enrolled your child in swimming lessons but instead of a qualified swimming instructor, they were taught freestyle technique by a soccer coach.

Something similar is happening in classrooms around Australia every day. As part of the ongoing teacher shortage, there are significant numbers of teachers teaching " out-of-field ." This means they are teaching subjects they are not qualified to teach.

One of the subjects where out-of-field teaching is particularly common is math.

A 2021 report on Australia's teaching workforce found that 40% of those teaching high school mathematics are out-of-field (English and science were 28% and 29%, respectively).

Another 2021 study of students in Year 8 found they were more likely to be taught by teachers who had specialist training in both math and math education if they went to a school in an affluent area rather than a disadvantaged one (54% compared with 31%).

Our new report looks at how we can fix this situation by training more existing teachers in math education.

Why is this a problem?

Mathematics is one of the key parts of school education. But we are seeing worrying signs students are not receiving the math education they need.

The 2021 study of Year 8 students showed those taught by teachers with a university degree majoring in math had markedly higher results, compared with those taught by out-of-field teachers.

We also know math skills are desperately needed in the broader workforce. The burgeoning worlds of big data and artificial intelligence rely on mathematical and statistical thinking, formulae and algorithms. Math has also been identified as a national skill shortages priority area .

What do we do about this?

There have been repeated efforts to address teacher shortages, including trying to retain existing mathematics teachers, having specialist teachers teaching across multiple schools and higher salaries . There is also a push to train more teachers from scratch, which of course will take many years to implement.

There is one strategy, however, that has not yet been given much attention by policy makers : upgrading current teachers' math and statistics knowledge and their skills in how to teach these subjects.

They already have training and expertise in how to teach and a commitment to the profession. Specific training in math will mean they can move from being out-of-field to "in-field".

How to give teachers this training

A new report commissioned by mathematics and statistics organizations in Australia (including the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute) looks at what is currently available in Australia to train teachers in math.

It identified 12 different courses to give existing teachers math teaching skills. They varied in terms of location, duration (from six months to 18 months full-time) and aims.

For example, some were only targeted at teachers who want to teach math in the junior and middle years of high school. Some taught university-level math and others taught school-level math. Some had government funding support; others could cost students more than A$37,000.

Overall, we found the current system is confusing for teachers to navigate. There are complex differences between states about what qualifies a teacher to be "in-field" for a subject area.

In the current incentive environment, we found these courses cater to a very small number of teachers. For example, in 2024 in New South Wales this year there are only about 50 government-sponsored places available.

This is not adequate. Pre-COVID, it was estimated we were losing more than 1,000 equivalent full-time math teachers per year to attrition and retirement and new graduates were at best in the low hundreds.

But we don't know exactly how many extra teachers need to be trained in math. One of the key recommendations of the report is for accurate national data of every teacher 's content specializations.

We need a national approach

The report also recommends a national strategy to train more existing teachers to be math teachers. This would replace the current piecemeal approach.

It would involve a standard training regime across Australia with government and school-system incentives for people to take up extra training in math.

There is international evidence to show a major upskilling program like this could work.

In Ireland, where the same problem was identified, the government funds a scheme run by a group of universities. Since 2012, teachers have been able to get a formal qualification (a professional diploma). Between 2009 and 2018 the percentage of out-of-field math teaching in Ireland dropped from 48% to 25%.

To develop a similar scheme here in Australia, we would need coordination between federal and state governments and universities. Based on the Irish experience, it would also require several million dollars in funding.

But with students receiving crucial math lessons every day by teachers who are not trained to teach math, the need is urgent.

The report mentioned in this article was commissioned by the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute, the Australian Mathematical Society, the Statistical Society of Australia, the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia and the Actuaries Institute.

Provided by The Conversation

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    One, science really has been my favorite subject to study my entire life. Two, my first grade teacher, which I have not seen in ten or so years, remembers my passion for science, even as a five year old child. Reflecting upon this, it really should not be a surprise. I was the kid that knew all the planets in order.

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    6 - Life Is A Quest For Knowledge. Perhaps the most important reason, there is so much in the world to search for and know. It is shallow and reductive when Hollywood portrays "base human instincts" as viciousness and depravity. Since the earliest days of humanity, we have strived to learn.

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    I want to be a teacher that makes the classroom a place that students want to be in. I remember how my teachers believed and encouraged me to want to learn new things. Teaching will give me the opportunity to give back to the community by being a positive role model like my teachers were. The love of science and learning new things...

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    As a teacher, "you need to know the subject," said Martin Storksdieck, Ph.D., director of the Board on Science Education at the National Research Council. However, "independent of content knowledge, the teacher has to have the ability to make connections and excite students," he said. "Can the teacher go deeper, be flexible and ...

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    Personal Statement Essay. Maybe you are writing this essay when applying for college. In that case, focus on writing I like teaching because essay. Ideally, you want to interview panel to see why you prefer to become a teacher and nothing else. Unlike a teaching job application essay, a personal statement essay gives you more space to be creative.

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