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Thanks to the pandemic and many teachers choosing early retirement, schools are in more desperate need of educators than ever before. If you love kids and are passionate about a particular topic, a degree and career in education may be for you. Despite common complaints like demanding workload and lack of appreciation, you’ll find the many benefits of teaching can sway your opinion of the job.
1. Share Your Passion
Generally, people get into teaching as a career because they’re passionate about one of three things — a particular subject, working with kids, or helping people. Working in education allows you to do all of that. You have a ready-made outlet for your interests.
In fact, the more passionate you are about your subject or grade level, the better an educator you’ll be. Your students will catch your enthusiasm and be more willing to learn.
2. Decent Pay and Solid Benefits
While teachers are relatively underpaid for everything they do, they make more than you’re likely thinking. Average salaries range from the low $40,000s to nearly $90,000 depending on your state. Teachers also have many ways to increase their salary over time. Spending many years with the same district and furthering your education will allow you to move up the pay scale.
In addition to the money, schools typically offer great benefits packages including health, vision, and dental. Teachers can also invest in their pensions which districts and the state will match or exceed.
3. Great Schedule
One of the most commonly cited benefits of teaching is getting your summers off. You’ll also have all major holidays to yourself along with small breaks spread throughout the academic year. Your teacher contract will also more than likely include a specified amount of mandatory prep time on a weekly basis.
The trade-off to a great schedule is you often have to work on school-related projects in the evenings when school is in session. However, most teachers think having the entire summer with their family is worth it.
4. Job Security
With the national teacher shortage, educators are in very high demand, and this trend doesn’t seem likely to change anytime soon. Despite the current economic climate, schools are consistently hiring. It’s easier than ever to get your ideal position in a school district near you.
5. Each Day Is Different
There’s no fear of monotony in a teaching career. Middle and high school teachers get to rotate through different students each day and all educators get new students at the beginning of every year. With new minds, personalities and backgrounds, you’ll never get bored. Most districts will also allow teachers to transfer between different roles and buildings, allowing you to try new things and avoid burnout.
6. Make a Difference
Caring teachers are a hot commodity — they do so much more than instruct on material. Educators are role models for students and can make a huge difference in the lives of their students. If you long to help people and make a positive difference in the world, teaching might be a worthwhile consideration.
7. Lifelong Learning
Most districts will compensate teachers for furthering their education. If you pursue education and decide to go back to school to get further certiifications or degrees related to teaching, the school will reimburse you for some or all of the cost. Teachers are encourage to continue learning and stay up to date with the best practices and new knowledge in their field.
Challenging But Worth It
No one said this job is easy. Every day is different which is a great change of pace but keeps you on your toes. You need to be “on” all the time, ready to adapt at a moment’s notice. Like in any other occupation, educators experience difficulty. You need to decide if you love the occupation enough that the benefits of teaching outweigh the challenges.
