“I would appreciate seeing greater attention paid to teaching,” remarked a Virginia-based reader named Meghan. “As a high school social studies teacher with over 130 students, I often feel like I’m putting on a standup comedy performance for an audience that didn’t choose to be there. The profession is filled with subtleties that many people are unaware of.”
To delve deeper, we asked six educators to recount some memorable highs, lows, and humorous experiences from their careers…
On teaching various age groups:
“Kindergartners absolutely lose it over anything if you present it enthusiastically. You could announce to the class, ‘You’re going to receive a piece of paper!’ and they’ll erupt like the audience on Oprah.” — Jen, elementary school reading intervention
“I adore middle schoolers, but they have a unique smell, so I always keep an air purifier on. Just the other day, I left a note in the homework section of the board reminding them to wash their hoodies. It’s an endearing odor, though! They also enjoy it when I engage with songs or books they recommend.” — Lexie, middle school language arts
“High school students feel everything intensely. I enjoy the teenage drama revolving around lip gloss, the Edgar haircut, their relationships, and the chisme. They remind me of being young and thinking that every moment is transformative.” — Christina, high school English
“Most of my students are in their early twenties and are navigating the transition to adulthood while letting go of their childhood selves. The contrast of their carefree attitude alongside their wish to be sincere and professional is refreshing. Plus, the weariness on the faces of students who need to attend an 8:30 a.m. class is painfully amusing.” — Kait, college literature
On significant moments:
“I once conducted a lesson about depression and anxiety, where the 12- to 14-year-old girls taught me about ‘crying sessions’ and how they helped them move past their blues. I’m still amazed by their emotional awareness and their honesty.” — Julian, seventh and ninth grade health and P.E.
“While teaching second grade, I wrap up each day with story time. We dive into lots of The Magic Treehouse and The American Girl series, and the kids get thrilled to see what unfolds. I adored those books growing up, and witnessing the students’ curiosity reminds me that when teachers genuinely cherish something, students often end up loving it too.” — Jen, elementary school reading intervention
On the tough aspects of the role:
“Finding a balance between work and home life with a young child is hard. And there’s always the underlying worry about gun violence. I have recurring nightmares about gun violence at my school.” — Lexie, middle school language arts
On unexpected career experiences:
“During high school, every time I took a career assessment, it always resulted in ‘a performer.’ I used that as a way to convince my parents I should pursue being a rockstar. However, my dad, being a teacher, would always say, ‘Well, as a teacher, you’re always performing.’ Now, I fully recognize how true that is. Standing at the front of the classroom feels like being on stage, and I’m constantly sharpening my performing skills every single day.” — Pablo, eighth grade U.S. history and ninth grade world geography
“I collaborate with many multilingual learners, and one of my key objectives is to assist them in passing the ELPAC, a language assessment exam that influences their educational trajectory. Kids often don’t grasp why this test is essential, so I aim to help them understand the implications of passing it. Usually, as adults, we forget to clearly explain things to kids, ‘Here’s what X means, why we’re doing this, and the consequences of learning or not learning it.’ In this class, I’m consistently astonished by how driven and involved students become once they see its personal relevance. This past year, we printed so many certificates, and my pride was immense.” — Jen, elementary school reading intervention
On advice for novice teachers:
“Don’t take things to heart. Many teachers, myself included, have empathy as a core value, so when a student misbehaves, it’s tough not to perceive their actions as a personal affront. But the book The Four Agreements completely shifted my perspective on this. Other people’s actions typically have little to do with us and don’t reflect who they truly are.” — Pablo, eighth grade U.S. history and ninth grade world geography
“Children don’t get to choose the adults in their lives, so you should aim to be someone they would want. Additionally, being kind to yourself is crucial. Teaching is not for those who shy away from challenges.” — Kait, college literature
On what we wish parents understood:
“Parents often believe their influence diminishes during the teenage years, but that’s inaccurate. Create opportunities for your teen to converse with you, even if they seem to dismiss most chances. I’ve read numerous essays about how my students cherish their parents. They’re simply testing boundaries.” — Lexie, middle school language arts
“Thank you for trusting us with your child; it is a tremendous honor. Know that while they are in my classroom, they will be nurtured and acknowledged.” — Christina, high school English
Many thanks to everyone who shared, and a HUGE shoutout to all the educators out there. Please feel free to share your thoughts below, if you wish…
P.S. Insight into a teacher’s weekly outfits, and how to genuinely alleviate children’s separation anxiety.
(Image sourced from Abbott Elementary.)
**Insights from Six Teachers on the Realities of Their Profession | Cup of Jo**
Teaching is frequently regarded as one of the most fulfilling yet demanding careers. While many possess a basic understanding of what teachers do, the nuanced experiences they encounter daily often go unnoticed. In a recent article on *Cup of Jo*, six educators from different backgrounds shared their personal experiences regarding the realities of their profession. Their narratives offer a richer understanding of the joys, challenges, and intricacies associated with being an educator today.
### 1. **The Emotional Labor of Teaching**
One of the recurring themes highlighted by the teachers was the emotional labor inherent in their roles. Beyond preparing lessons and evaluating assignments, teachers often find themselves acting as counselors, mediators, and sometimes parental figures for their students.
**Sarah**, a high school English teacher, expressed, “Students approach me with personal dilemmas ranging from family issues to mental health concerns. You can’t merely teach literature and disregard the emotional needs of the students in front of you. On certain days, I feel as if I’m carrying their concerns with me long after school ends.”
This emotional involvement can be both gratifying and draining. Educators frequently develop strong bonds with their students; however, the burden of their students’ issues can impact their own mental wellness.
### 2. **The Challenge of Work-Life Balance**
Numerous teachers interviewed mentioned the struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Teaching isn’t confined to a 9-to-5 schedule; it typically requires extensive hours dedicated to preparation, grading, and attending school activities beyond normal hours.
**James**, a middle school science instructor, remarked, “People assume we get summers off, but honestly, a large part of that time is spent gearing up for the next academic year. Throughout the school year, I often find myself up late preparing assignments or adjusting lesson plans. Transitioning out of ‘teacher mode’ is challenging when I’m perpetually mulling over how to enhance my students’ educational experiences.”
The educators underscored that while they are passionate about their work, the profession’s demands can hinder their ability to carve out personal and family time.
### 3. **The Joy of Watching Students Flourish**
In spite of the hurdles, all six educators conveyed that one of the most gratifying parts of their profession is witnessing their students’ development—both academically and on a personal level.
**Maria**, an elementary school teacher, stated, “There’s nothing quite like the instant when a student finally ‘gets it.’ Be it mastering a math concept or learning how to handle conflicts with peers, those growth moments are the driving force behind my passion for this profession.”
For many educators, the relationships they foster with their students serve as motivation. Observing students triumph, particularly those who have faced difficulties, generates a sense of achievement that is tough to replicate in other lines of work.
### 4. **The Impact of Societal Expectations**
Teachers frequently juggle multiple roles—educator, mentor, disciplinarian, and even social worker. Society imposes considerable expectations on teachers, sometimes without providing adequate resources or assistance.
**Lena**, a special education teacher, noted, “There’s a prevalent belief that teachers can resolve all issues. Yet, we operate within a system that has its limitations. We don’t always possess the necessary resources, whether it’s sufficient support staff, updated materials, or basic supplies. It’s frustrating because we strive to offer our students the best, yet we often find ourselves working with less than ideal conditions.”
The educators also highlighted how societal pressures, such as standardized testing and curriculum requirements, can sometimes restrict their creativity or ability to cater to their students’ individual needs.
### 5. **The Importance of Community Support**
Several teachers emphasized the significance of community support in making their tasks more manageable. Whether it’s through engaged parents, administrators, or fellow teachers, possessing a robust support network can greatly enhance a teacher’s capacity to thrive.
**Emily**, a kindergarten teacher, shared, “I’m fortunate to work in a school where parents are extremely involved and supportive. Knowing that my students’ families are on my side and value my efforts makes a considerable impact.”
However, not every teacher enjoys this level of backing. Some expressed feelings of isolation or undervaluation, particularly in underfunded schools where resources are limited, and parental engagement is low.
### 6. **The Need for Self-Care and Boundaries**
Given the mental and physical demands associated with teaching, many educators highlighted the necessity of self-care and establishing boundaries. Without dedicated time for recharging, the risk of burnout escalates.
**Rachel**, a high school history instructor, explained, “I used to take work home with me each night, but I recognized that I was reaching a breaking point. Now, I ensure I leave work at school whenever possible. I also allocate time for hobbies and exercise, which helps me maintain my balance.”
Teachers emphasized
