Becoming a teacher is a noble profession, but it’s also one that comes with its fair share of challenges.
As someone who’s been in the teaching game for a while now, I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on some of the things I wish I’d known before I started.
Here are ten of my top takeaways:
## 1. You’ll never have enough pencils.
No matter how many pencils you buy at the beginning of the school year, they will disappear into thin air by the end of the first week of classes. Accept this reality and buy in bulk.
## 2. You’ll master the art of pretending to know all the answers.
As a teacher, you’re expected to be a font of knowledge on all sorts of topics. The truth is, you won’t know everything, but you’ll get really good at pretending you do.
## 3. You’ll have to embrace your inner germaphobe.
Kids are walking petri dishes, and you’re going to get sick. A lot. Invest in hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and a good immune system.
## 4. You’ll become a master of improvisation.
No matter how well you plan a lesson, something unexpected will always happen. You’ll learn to think on your feet and come up with a Plan B on the fly.
## 5. You’ll spend more time grading than teaching.
Teaching is only half the job; the other half is marking. Be prepared to spend countless hours hunched over a stack of worksheets or books.
## 6. You’ll develop a love-hate relationship with technology.
Technology can be a lifesaver in the classroom, but it can also be a nightmare. Prepare to spend hours troubleshooting computer problems and dealing with spotty Wi-Fi.
## 7. You’ll become an expert in nonverbal communication.
Sometimes words just aren’t enough to get your point across. You’ll learn to communicate with a raised eyebrow, a pointed finger, or a well-timed sigh.
## 8. You’ll learn to appreciate the value of a good cup of coffee.
Teaching is a caffeine-fueled profession. You’ll learn to appreciate the value of a good cup of coffee, and you’ll quickly become a master of the coffee run.
## 9. You’ll become a pro at diffusing tense situations.
Kids can be unpredictable, and tempers can flare. You’ll learn to become a master at diffusing tense situations and calming down even the most irate student.
## 10. You’ll never stop learning.
Teaching is a constantly evolving profession, and there’s always something new to learn. You’ll never stop growing and developing as a teacher, and that’s what makes it such a rewarding career.
Becoming a teacher is no easy feat, but it’s a career that’s filled with endless possibilities. Keep these ten things I wish I knew before becoming a teacher in mind as you navigate your way through the ups and downs of the profession, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master teacher.