It is a common misconception that teaching jobs are amongst the easiest to take up. Very often it is
believed that if someone is good for nothing he can become a teacher,
particularly one who teaches lower grades since that does not require much
knowledge or skill. This and many other appalling myths surround the teaching
profession and as surprising as they may be, most of them arise from sheer
ignorance.
This article lists the most common myths about being a teacher.
- Teaching is Easy- A teacher is ‘teaching’ everyday and she cannot do so, unless she has her own bank of acquired or inherent knowledge, which also needs constant updating. She thus puts in long hours researching, putting together lesson plans, grading, marking and drawing up assignments besides her regular teaching activities at school. Teaching is thus, anything but easy.
- Teachers are Responsible for a Child’s Progress- Teachers do play a great role in influencing children and shaping their academic career however they are not solely responsible for their grades and success. A teacher can only do so much to ensure that the child is learning well, at the end the child’s capability to take in and learn matters more.
- Teachers Get Compensated Well – Teachers are amongst the worst paid professionals across the world. Most teachers have to take up supplementary jobs to meet expenses.
- Teachers get Extra Holidays- Maybe if you compare them to a typical corporate employee, they do. But teachers also get paid a lot less. Also even when schools go on a long break in the summer, teachers are expected to come in much earlier and prepare for the next term. They thus do not get as many holidays as is portrayed.
- Anybody can Teach- Teaching is not everybody’s cup of tea. It requires immense patience, a gentle demeanor and the ability to strike a balance. Teachers need to be trained and possess a degree. They need to be knowledgeable, sharp and dedicated. At the salary they are paid, only a self motivated and dedicated individual would survive the profession.
Other myths like ‘Teachers work only
a few hours’, ‘Teachers aren’t as good as they used to be’ etc are common
beliefs, but the truth is far from them.
