Is Education a Legit Career

Question

Teachers are expected to take a literal bullet on the job, work 20+ unpaid hours per week beyond our contract, take on tens of thousands of dollars in debt just to keep our jobs after graduating with a specialized degree, and undergo evaluation processes that would not be tolerated in any other career.  We have to justify our every decision and choice to people who are functionally illiterate, politicians with no education background, and irate parents.  Honestly, clerks at convenience stores are better treated than teachers are.  What can be done to get teachers some respect and decent treatment?

Anonymous · Answer

I'm not sure if you're venting generally (I agree with what you're saying, btw) or thinking about taking on a teaching job. Both my grandparents were teachers and they always said that nobody goes into it for glory or money (or even respect, from society, as you point out) but because they love education and find that to be a calling. I think that many other careers are not given the full respect by society that they demand (e.g. social workers or those who work as nurses or caregivers for the elderly or even children) so I don't know if that makes you feel better but teaching is a very valuable career in my opinion and I think there are ways to make it more lucrative but it is also a hard decision that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Anonymous · Answer

Teaching is the MOST legit career their is. It's truly a shame that teachers are so under-appreciated.

Anonymous · Answer

But continuing from the previous post, yes, teaching is definitely a legit career. Just because the profession seems to be undervalued doesn't take away from the real difference good teachers make in kids' lives. Try to remember that the majority of parents DO appreciate teachers.

Anonymous · Answer

I agree. Much of it comes down to ignorance. Unless you have been a teacher, you have no idea how much time outside of the actual work hours a teacher puts in. I can't tell you how many times I've heard people brush that off with 'Yeah, but teachers get the WHOLE SUMMER off.' I have two relatives who currently work or have worked in the past in school districts that are so underfunded that they don't even have the bare minimum of supplies needed. They really care about the kids and spend a significant amount of their own money buying supplies for their classrooms.

Anonymous · Answer

I have so any friends that are teachers and face this issue all the time. It does seem that the more tenured they have become, the more their opinions are listened to.  But regardless, you can't combat administrations, parents, etc. So while I don't have a solution. THANK YOU to all the teachers out there. You are respected by so many for what you do so remember that even if it doesn't always feel like it.

Is Education a Legit Career

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