I recently wrote an article about the top reasons for students to consider teaching. It made me think about how important it is that our youth are drawn to the profession. Not enough college graduates are majoring in education, and veteran teachers are retiring. Who will teach the next generation if we don’t have a steady pipeline from universities joining the ranks?

1. You impact the future. 

“I touch the future. I teach.” Christa McAuliffe, American teacher and astronaut.

This week I made an impact on the lives of several high schoolers. One student who had cheated on a quiz wrote me a letter apologizing for her actions and asking forgiveness. She assured me that she won’t ever do this again. I felt she had learned her lesson–and thanks to my actions–and her parents speaking to her–she understand how what she did was wrong.

Isn’t it better she makes mistakes in high school than in college or the workforce when the consequences will be more serious? I

2.You’re needed more than you think

In February 2022, some 380,000 open jobs existed in schools and universities, the highest number of openings in the past decade. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Schools are still hurting for teachers. Colleagues who have moved on from my district to other ones speak of the ease of finding another job at a comparable salary without a reference from their current employer.

3) Every day is different 

For a teacher, no two days are the same with class dynamics and student behavior impacting lessons. So, if you enjoy change and progress, teaching is for you. 

Yesterday, two students whispered to me secrets. One girl had made a French dessert while another had written a paperback novel with the Eiffel Tower used on the cover design. How proud I was of them for letting me into a private part of their lives and one that showed they liked French–and me.

Another day, three other students in the same class laughed about a joke I told, lightening up the mood in the room, appreciating my sense of humor. The joke revolved around a student saying in French that her favorite actor was Scarlett Johansson, and I lightly asking if Scarlett was now transgender?

3) Teachers are trusted and respected 

Polls have shown that teachers are rated high in trustworthiness, only behind nurses and pharmacists. 

Most parents I’ve worked with have supported my work at my high school. They understand it’s sometimes not easy managing teenagers, and they appreciate and trust I will help mold their sons and daughters into upstanding citizens.

4) You’re supported 

As an educator, you’ll never be alone. You’ll be surrounded by students and other teachers who will make up your “teacher tribe.”

I have a few close friends at my school that make all the difference in the world to my wanting to continue teaching. Isn’t it great to go to work and talk to colleagues every day about professional and personal issues? I would hate it if I couldn’t speak to anyone at a job. That wouldn’t be fun at all.

5) You can be creative

To keep students engaged, you will have to be creative. For ideas, tap into online resources, colleagues, and supervisors. Don’t forget to reach out to students to see what makes them excited to learn. 

Each year, I create new materials that I’m excited to teach. I don’t go overboard and reinvent the wheel—I still primarily depend on the textbook for structure to my lessons–but I don’t hesitate to include songs, videos, games and readings that I’m excited about. It makes class more fun for me and the students to learn using materials I’ve found.

6) It’s not just a job

Teachers don’t leave their work when they go home. They feel a desire to help students thrive. In return, students reciprocate with smiles, hugs and thank you notes that last long after teachers leave the building.

I can attest to the fact that many teachers think about ways to make the class more engaging with activities students enjoy. This requires some thought after the work day ends, though it doesn’t necessarily require large chunks of time to complete. A day before the holidays, ask students to write a special message in French to a family member or friend–and I bring in holiday cards for them. Or students speaking about what’s going on in a picture cut out from a French magazine or newspaper. These quick, fun activities required a little reflection and effort on my part, but was worth it when I saw their appreciation.