WHAT IS THIS JOB LIKE?

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Teachers teach children to read, write, do math, and much more. They use games, videos, computers, and other tools to teach children different subjects. Teachers show students skills. They also explain information. Teachers plan their lessons before they teach, which can take a lot of time. Teachers try to make their lessons easy to understand. They teach things in different ways so that different students can learn in the way that is easiest for them. Teachers might use a chalkboard, a projector, or a computer. They make posters or worksheets before class starts. Teachers plan the schedule for the day. Most teachers have to teach what the principal tells them. Teachers also assign homework and class projects. They often have students work together to do projects. When students are not doing as well as they should, teachers help them. After class, teachers grade papers and projects. They also create tests. They write students' report cards. And they meet with parents to try to help their children do better in school. Teachers sometimes go to workshops to learn how to teach better. Some teachers also help with sports or other after-school activities. Most kindergarten and elementary school teachers teach several subjects to one class. In some schools, two or more teachers work as a team. Other teachers teach one special subject, such as art, music, reading, or gym. Most middle school and high school teachers focus on one subject. They might teach English, science, or history, for example. Some teach students how to do a job. High school teachers spend more time explaining a subject and less time with activities like games. Teachers work with students of many different cultures. Some students were born in the United States, and some were not. Teachers learn about different cultures so that they can be more helpful to students. Teachers like to see children learn. But sometimes teaching lots of students can be stressful. Teachers also have to deal with children who misbehave. Many teachers work more than 40 hours a week. While most go on vacation during the summer, some choose to teach in summer school. Some take another job. Some go to college to learn more about teaching. HOW DO YOU GET READY? Back to Top

All teachers in public schools must have a teaching certificate and a license to teach. Some are licensed to teach preschool through grade 3. Others are licensed to teach grades 1 through 6 or

8. Some are licensed to teach middle school or high school. Some have a license to teach a special subject. You must have a college degree to be a teacher, unless you are teaching a job skill like how to fix cars. You must take classes in education and practice teaching with the help of an experienced teacher. To be a teacher, you must pass tests in reading, writing, and other subjects. And you have to keep learning. In some States, you have to get a master's degree. You also need computer training in some States. Teachers must be able to talk to children and be good leaders. The students must trust them. Teachers must be able to make students want to learn. They also should be organized, dependable, patient, and creative.

"The task of the excellent teacher is to stimulate 'apparently ordinary' people to unusual effort. The tough problem is not in identifying winners: it is in making winners out of ordinary people." ~ K. Patricia Cross I totally agree with the aforementioned quote. A teacher is the one who shapes the personality and entire life of children. It is one of the noble professions as it contributes in building the future of the country and overall society. Teachers play a significant and a valuable role as they influence the lives of children who are the future of tomorrow. Students get influenced by the teacher's characters, her affection and commitment, her competence and her morals and ethics. So it is important that only best and the intelligent human beings are allowed to become teachers so that the safe future is ensured. This article shares some information on the role of a teacher that would help get a clear idea about what makes a good teacher and how the same can contribute to society. Role of a Teacher in School Teachers are certainly role models for students, so they must be at their best in front of kids. There are various roles a teacher has to play in school. The first role of a teacher is that of a facilitator. He should impart all the knowledge and skills related to a particular field. He should also provide children with the right attitude so that they can make the best use of their knowledge and intelligence. One of the other responsibilities of a teacher is guiding students at every stage. He must provide his students with guidance, support, and inspiration so that they can find the right path, be it in career or in life. Supervising is also one of the good teacher qualities, as he warns and convinces his students if they are involved in wrong things. The role of a teacher in the classroom has changed significantly over the years.

Teachers are no more the people who come to the class, give lectures and walk out. An ideal teacher is someone who seeks the participation of all the students, takes student's opinions into account, uses different teaching media and makes learning a fun activity. As someone rightly said, a good teacher teaches from the heart and not from the book. So, to take up a job as a teacher one must have passion for the subject he is teaching so that he can pass the same passion to his students. One of the important roles of a teacher is also that of respecting a student's opinion. A teacher must always be open to learn new things and he must keep himself updated with the latest developments in his subject. These were some of the qualities of a good teacher. Apart from dealing with students, a teacher also has to maintain a dialog with parents, so that they nurture their kids in the right manner. Role of a Teacher in Society The role of a teacher in education system is pivotal. He is virtually the yardstick that decides the quality of education system. It is the teacher who decides if the education system is a success or a failure. It is on his shoulders, that the entire education system rests as he single-handedly shapes the generation. As I mentioned earlier, a teacher plays a crucial role in the development of society. Someone once said that if you want to study the nature of the citizens of the country then meet some teachers and study their nature. After all, the society is a replica of teachers living in it. Teachers help mere students transform into good human beings with a positive attitude, confidence and motivation to pursue excellence. The future of an entire generation depends on the teachers. If they are corrupt and unprofessional, then an entire generation will result in the same. This can result in corrupt judiciary, betraying army, unfaithful bureaucracy, untrustworthy politicians, etc. which leads to a chaotic and deplorable society. So, a teacher is no doubt, an architect of a new generation who determines the quality and future of our tomorrow. But teaching jobs as a profession are not given the respect that they deserve. We must understand that teaching is the only profession that teaches all the other professions and so, its significance and greatness is much higher. With these insights on the role of a teacher, it is clear that they make a tremendous contribution to our society and hence always must be held high. I would leave you with a quote by Jacques Barzun that shows the sorry state of teaching profession... "Teaching is not a lost art but the regard for it, is a lost tradition."

Teachers are introspective, cooperative, directive, and expressive. They tend to look for the best and to expect it from those around them. Teachers communicate a belief that everyone has the

potential to succeed, and Teachers often seek to help others express this inner potential. In doing so, they may motivate others to meet the Teacher's positive expectations.[2] However, Teachers may unintentionally overpower others with their idealized vision.[1]:151 Teachers tend to be organized and like to have things settled. They usually plan their work hours and social engagements in advance and can be trusted to honor their commitments. Yet Teachers also use their creativity to invent engaging activities with little planning. Teachers gravitate more toward educational leadership than social leadership. Their primary interest is in personal growth.[1]:150 Teachers generally have a clear understanding what is going on inside themselves, and their intuition gives them insight into the feelings of others. However, they tend to be less skilled at logical decision-making, and may do well to seek the advice of a Thinking type.[1]:151 Teachers often mirror the beliefs, characteristics, and emotions of those they interact with to generate rapport. This helps them develop a sense of connection with the joys and problems of others.[2] However, they can become overly involved in other people's concerns, which can leave Teachers feeling overwhelmed.[1]:150 Teachers consider people their highest priority, and their communication often asserts a personal concern and willingness to help. Warm and outgoing, Teachers value harmonious relations and interpersonal communication. They are generally tolerant of others and easy to get along with. They are enthusiastic and unusually expressive. They tend to have strong language skills, which enhance Teachers' influence in groups. Teachers are good at face-to face communication and don't hesitate to share their feelings, beliefs, and ideas. Teachers can become charismatic public speakers and are often asked to assume leadership roles.