WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A TEACHER

We, teachers are supposed to be the role model of our students, and we have this first day nerve-wrecking blues whenever we enter the classroom. As we hope for a better future, we should impart something that our student will never forget. And as teachers, we cannot deny the fact that we have our own battle when it comes to our profession. 

As a teacher, we should embrace and appreciate our new roles. Even if we face these 5 biggest fears. 

AM I READY? 

Learn to be outside of your comfort zone, as what I have read, the first step is always the hardest, so is your first day. As you go along, you will learn and get the answer to your question, if you are ready or not. But as you do it everyday, you will learn the step, the dance, the tempo, the routine, the feeling, the confidence, and the students you will encounter. Your student will make you ready to teach. The excitement they have whenever they see you walking around and the thought that you will teach them will make your heart melt and wish that you are with them always. In fact, they will make you fall in love with teaching. 

WHAT IF I FAIL OR MAKE MISTAKE?

As humans, we cannot deny the fact that we commit mistakes, but we are always a work in progress. Do not be afraid to fail and make mistakes because that is where you learn best. As a newbie in this profession, you need to make a room for yourself as to being gentle and without putting too much pressure. Always remind yourself that you can be better, that even if you made a mistake from your past, you are still given the chance to correct them, and nobody's perfect, so are you. If you will inevitably misspell a word, or you have your student who asks questions which you cannot answer right away, you are still a great teacher, always bear that in your mind. 

On  the other hand, do not let your student feel that you are not confident enough or you are struggling with what you are talking about. And that is one of the powers you have to possess as a teacher, that even if you don't know the answer, you won't let them see it.

 

WHAT IF I CANNOT HANDLE MY STUDENT WELL? 

Handling your students is one of the most challenging thing you will encounter as a teacher. There are times they are noisy, there are times that they don't listen, there are times they are unwilling to learn or they are uninterested and that will make you doubt if you can handle them or not, but always remember that they are the student and you are the teacher so teach them. The best technique and strategy is to catch their attention by using different motivations, games, or activities that you can give. The moment they enjoy it, that will also be the time where they will start learning. 

However, If there comes a time that you cannot really control your student's behavior, it is much better if you ask your experienced co-teachers to help you. 

WHAT IF I DON'T PASS THE LICENSURE EXAMINATION FOR TEACHERS?

This is one of the biggest fear an education student has. As you approach the last year in college, the pressure gets higher. It is like you bring your whole family with you so you have to pass no matter what. In fact, you have to review and refresh your mind with the lessons you have taken. And for you not to be pressured, you can start reviewing while you are in the last year, during your vacant time. Above all, always remember that whether you can pass the first take or not, that doesn't define you as a teacher. That exam will never define you. You just have to give your best and get that license!

WHAT IF I AM NOT FOR TEACHING?

The biggest fear of a student who have studied 4 years and starts to ask herself if she is bound to teach is perhaps the most heartbreaking point of her life. There will come a time that you will ask many what ifs such as "what if I pursued my dream of becoming a doctor?", "what if I am not bound to teach". These questions will linger in your mind as you cannot stop thinking and it will start to shrink the hardwork and sacrifices you gave just to be where you are now.  You may think that you are not good in teaching that is why you get those questions in your mind frequently, but always remember that wherever you are, is where you're supposed to be at.

Always remember that a bad day does not mean a bad life and a bad career for you. Do not let it overpower you and dim the light that you worked hard to be bright. At the end of the day, your sacrifices will pay off. So, continue believing, achieving, and thriving!