List Week 2006: Ten Reasons Why It's Great to Be a Teacher by Elusive Orchid

Teaching is one of the most honorable professions in this world. You deal with other people's kids, nosy parents, and even nosier administrations. Yet, there are people who are willing to take the time and be the best teachers they can be. Our children's futures depend on it. Soon-to-be anointed teacher, Elusive Orchid, sheds light on this great profession. - Lily

1. You can send your students home at the end of the day.

I love kids, it’s one of the reasons I became a teacher. They’re a load of fun and they’re always curious. However, I’ll be the first to say that no matter how much I love and adore children, I definitely don’t want the full time responsibility that comes along with having anymore of my own. I can say this with honesty and candor because I already have one child, an eight year old daughter. I wouldn’t ever change having a child but damn, it’s a hell of a lot harder than people say it is.

2. Their minds are like sponges they will soak up any knowledge you wish to impart.

Honestly, you could tell your students the earth is square and they’d probably believe you, at least long enough to pass the test. Really though, they are ever curious and ready to learn. It’s all about how you present the material. If you’re going to be Ben Stein in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” forget about it. I’ve had teachers like that….can I say snooooooooze. Make learning fun and hands on and they’ll be more than eager to listen.

3. They always manage to make you laugh.

I’m in the last week of student teaching and I always leave the classroom with a smile on my face. I’ve got some smooth characters in my class, especially in my Language Arts. This class is strictly boys and they are a riot. One of my students is named Omar. He’s a seventh grader, and girls who are in this age group, a word of warning, he’ll sweep you off of your feet. One statement of his that had me rolling out the door was this: “Ms. Orchid, how can you be so beautiful and smart?” I’m telling you this kid knows what he’s doing. The classroom is always a laugh; it’s a great way to brighten your day (as long as you aren’t dealing with administration’s red tape.)

4. You’re always learning.

The main goal of being an educator is to teach your students skills that will get them through life after the classroom. What most people don’t realize though is that not only does an educator teach, they are also constantly learning. Sure it may not be “book” knowledge but more importantly it’s “life” knowledge. Your students will teach you how to laugh, how to be silly and just enjoy the simple things life has to offer. It’s like the MFG’s stated in the previous blog about why we love guys, seeing that inner child come out is just pure fun.

5. You get to give the tests instead of taking them.

Okay, after being a student for the last 4 years, I can say I never ever want to take another test again. Giving tests on the other hand...that I will gladly do. Let’s face it; tests are a royal pain in the ass, but a supposedly necessary evil. Come to think of it, if I didn’t have to give tests, I definitely wouldn’t.

6. The light bulb moment.

I love the light bulb moment, it’s that split second where you see the dawning of understanding cross a child’s face. There’s nothing like it. It is the moment every educator hopes/wishes for. It is our crowning achievement; it’s why I teach anyway. Its proof for me that I’m making a difference in at least one child’s life.


7. You’re shaping the minds of the future.

You know how everyone bitches about the government or the corporations? As a teacher I’m hoping to be able to shift the balance of the “bad” guys (a huge task I know, but I can hope). If an educator is flexible enough and open-minded enough to impart all the facts of a situation, their students will be able to use these skills to make better decisions for their future and hopefully the future of their country. Though I suppose that in the years to come I can’t really rag on anyone else can I?

8. The hours rock!

Hellooooo 8am to 3pm as a normal schedule, that’s better than banker’s hours! I have a good majority of the day to myself. I can enjoy the outdoors and still have plenty of time to do what I want to accomplish. I’ve worked a variety of jobs, every shift from mornings to midnights; I do love this schedule the best.

9. You get the BIG desk.

I’m short, petite or as some of my friends like to call me a “Lil Bit.” I admit I can still fit into those kid sized desks, but damnit they aren’t comfortable in the slightest. Even when I was younger (and shorter if you can believe that) I always felt cramped in those desks. As the teacher, I get the BIG desk, finally! See I knew a college education would get me somewhere!

10. June, July, and August

Need I say more?!