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Survey:
Would You Do it Again?
Responses (generally unedited and in alphabetical order) to the following question used in a survey to collect data for Becoming a Win-Win Teacher:
If you had it to do over again,
would you still go into teaching?
Note to site visitors: If you would like to comment on these responses or respond to this question, click here. Please include your name and position or position only if you’d prefer anonymity.
After 25 years I can honestly say I would still go into teaching. Even though my student population has changed (Severely Emotional Disturbed) and it is so much more difficult, the few successes totally outweigh the frustration! (Plus the hours and summers off is still an awesome bonus!)
—Melody Aldrich, high school English teacher
I would absolutely go into teaching if I had to do it all over again. Teaching is the most fulfilling thing I have ever done. I wish I had started sooner.
—Micki Agresta, high school special education teacher
Absolutely! I love my job. I love the kids. I love the challenge. This is the most rewarding career I could ever have had. No two days are the same and I have made wonderful friends. I love having kids come back to work in my room as mentors. I love being invited to their graduations, recitals, and Christmas programs. This is one career where you can really make a difference and turn lives around. I love the summers...not because they are a vacation, but because I get a chance to catch up on current trends, plan lessons to improve my practice for the next year, and you get a FRESH start every single fall. New faces, new challenges!
—Roxie Ahlbrecht, second grade teacher
What a tough question! I never wanted to do anything else and still don't know what I would do if I changed professions. Money is always an issue. The highlights of teaching, the rewards, are far and few between, but when you see a student who does get the concept or tells you thanks, or gives you a handmade card thanking you for teaching them, it really warms the heart. I would do this again but perhaps research district better when applying for jobs. Today there are so many ‘bonuses’ to sign on in certain districts or perks that if I had thought it through, I would have started someplace else. But when I was hired, you were lucky to get a teaching job as they were very scarce.
—Melissa Albright, sixth grade teacher
Yes, I would. I loved the feeling of being needed that teaching gave me.
—Mel Alper, retired high school history teacher
In a heartbeat! Children need to know people care about them and too many of today’s children do not get that message at home.
—Elaine Anderson, attendance improvement facilitator
I think I would go into teaching, because I am a natural teacher in all aspects of my life, but I might not make it my lifelong career. I would probably have had a backup plan for when it got too difficult to be a great teacher and maintain a family at the same time. In many ways, teaching was much more conducive to a single lifestyle with no children of my own. Then again, in other ways, I am much “wiser” now that I have my own children on which to base my understanding of my students. It’s like a “catch-22” because in some sense you need that mothering (or fathering) instinct to enable you to be truly sensitive the needs of the whole child, but it is also difficult to balance both aspects.
—Lydia Aranda, elementary teacher
It’s too soon to say. But it’s been rough. I’m not gonna lie. I enjoy the comments and interactions, with the students though, and I think that helps a lot. To hear students talking about what they learned in the art room or how they were inspired, or how they really enjoyed a particular activity you had planned for them really makes you feel like you’re doing something right.
—art teacher (first year)
Yes, I would do it again. Despite the difficulties, I really feel like I am making a difference.
—Wendy Aschenbach, high school special ed
Depends on the day! If you had asked this question 15-20 years ago, I would have said yes. But, after 36 years in this business, after seeing how the attitudes of the teachers, students and parents have changed and seeing my sons, who are in private industry, receive [five-figure] end-of year bonuses, I would say, no. Not in this day and age.
—assistant superintendent
No. Mostly due to the lack of financial incentive to stay in this career path and the bureaucracy that suffocates this field.
—assistant superintendent for instruction
I would still go into teaching if I had to do it all over again. The teaching profession is very difficult and demanding, but the satisfaction that I get from it is what I need. It’s easy to get caught up in the politics, paper work, committees, and constant research and education, but when I am in the classroom with students I know that I am making a difference. I get to work directly with the people who benefit from my profession, the students. When I know that they have learned something, it is an amazing feeling to me even though I have been teaching for 11 years. My fellow colleagues are so supportive. I have worked in two different districts and four different schools, and I have always found the teachers to be so supportive of each other. There is a bond that forms when you teach with someone that is so great. I like the sharing of ideas, the putting theory into practice, and reflecting on what went well and what I will change for next time. Teaching is wonderful profession.
—Susan M. Bailey, middle school reading specialist
Yes I would do it over. I love what I do. I also feel like I am making a difference in the lives of others.
—Carrie Balent, guidance counselor
Teaching to me is a calling, so the answer is unequivocally yes.
—Anna Barsanti, student success leader, retired
Absolutely, I would still go into teaching. I feel that I make a difference each day in the lives of my students. I am challenged by the students that I teach, which keeps me self-reflecting on my own best practices to be the best teacher that I can be for my students. I feel that education is moving in a positive direction despite the pressure that teachers feel due to standardized testing, however, we have never had to be more accountable for the learning that takes place within our classrooms than now. Teaching is a bigger responsibility, and I love undertaking something so great and essential. I believe that I grow each year right along with my students. The experiences my students have shared with me and the experiences I have yet to have, keep me encouraged about this profession.
—Erin Beers, sixth grade teacher
No. I have since found my real love is travel.
—Joel Black, high school alternative teacher
I would definitely still become a teacher. I have been rewarded in some small way or another every day of my teaching career. Relatives and friends, some in the highest and wealthiest circles of business, marvel at the joy I exude in being a part of my profession.
—Stephen Bongiovi, high school English teacher
Yes! Teaching is a profession for which you are called. I have won awards throughout my career, which are nice, but the real reward is looking forward to going to work each and everyday to do what I love—inspire my students to find joy in learning. Life is far too short to spend in a career that one is not passionate about. If I ever get to a point in my life where I lack passion and excitement for what I am doing, I need to find a different career path.
—Charla Bunker, fifth grade teacher
I would still go into teaching. With all the stress I still enjoy working with the children and seeing them succeed.
—Jennifer Burkholder, first grade teacher
If I had it to over again, I would still go into teaching. I love my job. I enjoy being with the students, I have a great time both being in front of them presenting information and working one-on-one or in small groups. I like the mental challenge of staying on top of the curriculum and topics. The schedule is also conducive to spending evenings, weekends and holidays with my own children and family. All that said, I would not have borrowed as much money as I did because it has been hard to repay Sallie Mae on the teacher salary.
—Jen Buttars, sixth grade math teacher
Probably. There are days and groups of kids that I would say, “no way,” but then you have a group that you absolutely love and it all seems worth it.
—business and information technology teacher
Teaching has been my life. I have loved every minute (almost) of it. The students have inspired me and made me grow in directions that I would never have foreseen. Know ahead of time that you will never make money at this job, but it shouldn’t be about the money. It’s about changing and affecting lives. I have had students come back years later and tell me thanks for teaching them whatever they remembered. That’s the payment for this job. I would definitely still go into teaching. I have been blessed to be known as a teacher and to know that I have impacted many lives. At last count, I have touched over 3000 lives. What other job lets you do that?
—Diane L. Callahan, middle school science teacher
There are times when I come very close to rethinking my choice, but then there is one student who has the proverbial “light bulb” turn on and it is the perfect day for me!
—Maryann Caprioli, fourth grade special education teacher
I loved teaching. When a student finally got a concept you had been teaching over and over, and that light of understanding goes off in their eyes, it makes your job all worth while. I loved working with students both elementary and secondary level.
—Sallie Chaffin, professional development project coordinator
Yes, because it's been personally rewarding. I'm good at what I do and I feel I have made a significant contribution to society. Teaching also afforded me the time and opportunity to be an active participant in the lives of my own family. All in all it's been a win-win.
—Amy Donner Chait, special education teacher
Yes, I like working with kids better than I would playing nursemaid to a bunch of corporate Types. That is basically what psychologists do.
—Paul Clements, school psychologist
I’m not sure... I love teaching and working with children, when I actually got the chance to! As a special education teacher I spent so much time working on paperwork, behavior plans, IEPs, notices, collaborating with gen ed teachers, and a million other “duties as assigned” that I rarely have the opportunity to sit down with my students and just teach.
—Amy Des Chane, professional development project cordinator
Yes I would go into teaching again. It’s helped me grow more than anything else in my life and I’ve had a wonderful time and created many great relationships. I’m about to present at a conference with a student I taught ten years ago.
—Jason Cushner, secondary math teacher
Not if I was just starting out now. I’ve loved teaching over these past 16 years, but a new teacher coming in now has many more challenges and responsibilities than I did as a new teacher. One of the major drawbacks is the pressure of testing...over and over! But for when I began teaching, it’s been a great ride!
—Annette Dake, grades K-5 gifted teacher
I am not really sure. From the start I was not sure. I hated student teaching, but then when a job came about I jumped at it. I like the students but I do feel they are changing in ways that I just do not want to deal with. Kids today can be very rude and at times I feel I need to be an entertainer instead of a facilitator of knowledge. I also feel schools are having to play a larger role in teaching character skills, vocational skills, life skills along with academics, yet those are the places budgets get cut, so there is less resources to do the job we need to do.
—Joanne Davidman, family and consumer science educator
I would still go into teaching because there is nothing like the light coming on in the eyes of a student who gets it (whatever it is).
—Holly Davis, elementary school counselor
Yes. I truly enjoy my job. I love seeing my former students years later, nearly grown up and well on their way to being successful. It's not all fun but I have found that the rewards far outweigh the negatives.
—Christie DeMello, eighth grade teacher
Yes. Teaching is a demanding yet rewarding career. I am a better person today because of it.
—Jill Denson, first grade teacher
Absolutely!! My husband says I’m a miserable person to live with if I am not in the classroom! I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was 5 years old. There was never any doubt in my mind that I would ever choose another profession. I look forward to going to work every day. I volunteered to be the new teacher mentor and site-based coach 7 years ago because I like my fellow teachers and want to see them succeed.
—Carol Dinsdale, special education teacher
Absolutely. For me teaching is not a job; it is a vocation. I love to teach. I do wish it were less political and that I could afford what my siblings have because they make so much more money. But, I love to teach and have never been sorry that I became a teacher.
—Jolene Dockstader, seventh grade English teacher
Absolutely! My first career was in the medical field and although I found it exciting on a daily basis and an enriching experience, I always wanted to be a teacher. Before I graduated from high school I never spoke with a counselor concerning my educational hopes and dreams. I found that I had an ACT scholarship at my graduation when I was asked to stand. I went to Community College and then to work. With the backing of my husband and family, I went back to college in my 30’s to fulfill my dream.
—Mary K. Edmunds, high school teacher
Absolutely. I can’t see myself doing anything else.
—eighth grade English teacher
Ultimately, I suppose that I would [go into teaching], but the decision would be tougher now. There was a time in my life, when I graduated from college, that the thought of putting myself out there in front of a room full of high school students just seemed like the scariest thing in the world that I could possibly do. Consequently, I found lots of other things to do instead of teaching full-time. I started teaching night school in an adult and alternative ed program. I worked in an independent bookstore, then moved to a larger chain bookstore and managed their café. I left there to go to massage school and became a certified massage therapist. At some point in that process, a friend asked me why I never introduced myself as a teacher when in social situations. I replied that I never said that I was a teacher because I wasn’t working as a teacher. She just looked at me quietly and said, “That is irrelevant to what you are. Whether you have a job or not has nothing to do with the fact that you are a teacher.” Wow….. It was a real “Aha!” moment for me.
—Anissa Emery, high school counselor and English teacher
If I had to do things again, I would still go into teaching. I love coming in to school each morning. Each day is filled with so many new activities. I am never bored! Just when I think things are starting to slow down something new comes along. I love all the things I learn from my students. I get excited just thinking about going back to school and hearing and seeing the excitement my students have when they come through the door. (And seeing their excitement for the next day when they leave!) But the best part is the “Aha!” moments when one of my students has been working hard and finally “gets it.”
—Michelle Erickson, first grade teacher
Without a doubt I would do it all over again. I love my job! Why, because my dream was to become a teacher, and I also worked extremely hard to accomplish that goal. I love having the satisfaction of being able know that I am helping students learn and grow into well-educated adults.
—Suzanne Faas, fourth through sixth grade teacher (first year)
I’ve never done anything else, so imagining a life that doesn’t include teaching is a bit hard. I never wanted to become a teacher. I initially trained to be an interpreter and translator in English and French, and always swore never to take up teaching. But as it turned out, teaching was the only job I could get in my hometown after graduating from the Department of Translation Studies. I could have done what my friends did and moved or found a job abroad, but at that point I had already met my future husband, he had a job here and so I wanted to stay here. After teaching for a whole year without any idea of what I was doing, I decided to go back to school and get a degree in teaching. That meant three more years, studying to become what I never wanted to become! The irony of it! Before I got my diploma, I got a phone call from the principal our primary school asking me to work there, I said yes, and there I am still. This is my 22nd year in the same school. When I thought about all the good things about teaching, I was surprised, because most things that came into my mind had nothing to do with actual teaching. When my children were young, it was nice to have short working hours. I could spend more time with my kids than any of my friends, who worked from 8am to 5pm. Long summer holidays made it possible for the kids to stay home all summer, no need to look for someone else to take care of them while mum was at work. I still enjoy getting home early. And to be honest, I feel I’m good at what I do. There are days when I feel it would have been best for everybody if I’d stayed at home but then again there are days when I feel I really made a difference.
—Tuija Fagerlund, primary language teacher
I not only would go into teaching, I wish I had gone into teaching sooner. I started out as a customer service representative for a security company and realized I could not deal with people through a computer—I wanted the personal, eyeball-to-eyeball contact with others. Teaching also lets me feel that I am giving something back to society. I love working with young children because you never know what they will say or do. They are so full of life and wonder that it picks my spirits up each and every day. I also love the hours teaching provides. I can have it all: a career helping others and a happy family life.
—Stacy Ferguson, first through third grade teacher
Regrettably, after 23 years I’d have to say no, I wouldn’t go into teaching if I knew then what I know now. When I began I saw teaching as a creative endeavor; one focused on guiding students on their own personally meaningful paths to adulthood. Increasingly, especially with the enactment of NCLB, teaching is all about one very limited path defined by standardized tests and pretty much limited to reading, writing, and math. I am also profoundly disappointed with the reversal of progress in the social justice realms. The gap between the poor and the privileged seems to widen every day. In the 80’s and early 90’s when my district practiced bussing to achieve racial integration the “achievement gap” between Anglo students and students of color nearly disappeared. Now, schools are more segregated than ever and the achievement gap is as much as 80 percentage points as measured by our federally mandated standardized tests. Much of my disappointment, of course, is leveled at myself, and I wish I knew how to have more of an impact.
—Karen L. Fernandez, high school English and language arts teacher
If I had to do it over again, I would definitely still go into teaching. Teaching was definitely my calling. I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else. I love what I do. I love the challenges and the rewards that teaching brings to me every day. The good days truly outweigh the difficult days. Every time I have a difficult day, I am always reminded why I am teaching, whether it be a picture or card from one of my students or just a thank-you.
—Ashley Ferris, sixth grade teacher
Of course I would do it again—only I would start sooner next time. I spent the first years of my professional career as a chemist—and I made a ton of money. But something was missing from my life. Once my children began school I went back to school to be trained as a teacher. It was the best thing I ever did. Teaching is not only what I do, it is who I am. I could no sooner stop teaching than I could stop breathing.
—Nancy Foote, secondary math teacher
If I had to do it over again, I would not go into teaching. I would have become an attorney and made triple the money, and not have to deal with disrespectful children all day.
—fourth grade teacher
Yes, I’d do the same thing all over again. I went into teaching to help young people and influence what they do with their lives, and I still have the same goal. I love what I do. There isn’t another profession that has the same rewards as teaching, although there are many things that sound like interesting things to do. I can do what I love and pass on to my students the love of science, math, language, music, etc. This is a powerful and exciting position to be in as a high school science and math teacher.
—Mandy Frantti, secondary science teacher
I cannot imagine doing anything else. Although it is harder every year for a variety of reasons, I am still grateful for all the opportunities I have been given to grow as a person and teacher. I do not think I would become a special education teacher in current times if I were 22 again. Things have changed and we are in a world of systemic hurt and I don’t see an end in the near future. It is overwhelming in so many ways.
—Julia Frascona, EBD (emotional and behavioral disabiity) teacher
I would absolutely go into teaching. It is an incredibly honorable and important profession. It allows me to be creative and to use my acting talents. When it works, I get the same high as being on stage performing for an audience. I can also be an advocate for a troubled student. I do not like being behind a desk and every day is different. Even though I might teach the same subject every year, there is always a different dynamic. Challenging students to reach beyond what they are used to is also rewarding. As a teacher, I get to make a difference in a person's life. July and August are also nice.
—Jeremy Freedman, high school science teacher
Absolutely. In a heartbeat. I could do nothing else. Teaching is an adventure, as every day is different and I am constantly learning new things. No two students are the same and no two lessons are the same. The dynamics of the classroom are an ebb and flow of energy, excitement and emotion. There is something that jazzes me up about seeing a young person “get it” for the first time when a new concept is introduced. That sharing of excitement produces a feeling of satisfaction that is not duplicated in my life, even by my own accomplishments. When young people experience educational success, their accomplishment and my excitement join together in something where truly the whole is larger than the sum it its parts—what people call synergy. Also, I do think daily about the teachers who influenced my life. There is more to the educational process than coursework. I am more in tune today with the education of the whole child, the emotional, the physical and the cognitive than I was early in my career. It isn't all about the subject. Sometimes, it rarely is about teaching a class. It is about assisting in the raising of a child.
—David Friedli, secondary principal
I probably would. It is still one of the most rewarding careers I can imagine. I’m having a bad year, so my enthusiasm is not what it usually is.
—Bill Funkhouser, middle school math teacher
If I had a chance to do it all over again, I would not go into teaching. Though it is rewarding at times, it is a challenge that I no longer want to have presented before me...
—Jason Gehrke, third grade teacher
Yes. Teaching is a way to give back to the community. I love what I do and I believe that it is the most important thing to teach young children. I think that the teachers today have many opportunities to see the world and explore it through grants and other programs. Going into teaching without a family allows teachers to travel and see other educational settings and systems around the world and to learn from experts in a chosen field of study.
—April Keck Gennaro, elementary teacher
I don’t think teachers are made, they’re born. So the question is moot. I am a teacher, have been, will be. Will I ever work for the public school system again? Now that’s a horse of a different color.
—Sarah Guthrie, educator
Teaching is potentially the most creative career one can have, even if it is hard to find the right conditions to be creative. Even in a less creative school environment there is plenty of room for an individual teacher to be creative and still comply with school-wide expectations.
—Bruce Hammonds, independent educational advisor
The classroom of today is much different than the classroom of fifteen years ago. I was one of the first in my building back then to put my grades on that thing called a computer. Now, computers are as common as teachers’ desks in classrooms. I know I would still go into teaching today because kids still have the same basic needs—to feel valued and encouraged to develop to their individual potential. Plus, the prospect of utilizing the available technology to enhance my instruction in ways only previously in my imagination is just too tempting to resist!
—Tammy Hanna, middle school administrator
Yes, absolutely! It’s never the same. The students always keep you on your toes. The students make me laugh and they are the real teachers. They never cease to amaze me and I learn something new everyday.
—Stacy Harris, second grade teacher
I am not one to have a career to make money, but rather to feel like I have contributed somewhere. I love children and feel so humbled by the opportunity to teach. I love when I can witness a child who “gets it” or smiles at me because the song we are singing is so enjoyable.
—Joani Heavey, elementary music teacher
I absolutely would still go into teaching. It’s one of the rare jobs that you never have to worry about why you are going to work each day.
—high school assistant principal
Probably not. I find it overwhelming to try and balance 90 students every single day in terms of the marking. It has taken over my life in many ways. I always think about it, even when I’m trying to sleep or get a break on the weekend. I work every night and on weekends too to try and keep up and do a quality job. Actually, if I did go into teaching again I wouldn’t choose to teach English. The marking is insane and the planning is unending. Every time I teach a course, even if I’ve taught it before I have to change and adapt to meet the needs of that particular group of students. Also, with all the ESL and modifications that need to be done, it’s like teaching the same course several times over each time.
—high school English teacher
Yes I would teach. I had left for years to into the jewelry business. Teaching is more rewarding, but less money. You have to love the kids.
—high school English teacher
Yes, definitely. While this has been a lot of hard, hard work and many more hours than people think, it still feels more rewarding than anything I’ve done previously.
—high school English and reading teacher
No. Too many students are disrespectful and administrators do not support their staff.
—Kenneth Hodge, sixth grade social studies teacher
But of course! Teaching is the noblest of all professions. There is so much joy and fulfillment in teaching.
—Allan Ilagan, educator
Yes, I would still go into teaching. Even though there are more variables and influences that get in the way of a child’s ability to learn today then ten years ago, seeing the light bulb turn on in a child’s face is just as rewarding as my first year of teaching.
—instructional support teacher
Without a second thought I would still be a teacher. It seems like the bad and sad things outweigh the good, but they do not. The rewards are beyond measure. It is difficult to separate the students from the parents sometimes but once you accomplish that, the road is much easier.
—Marti Johnson, ED behavior specialist
I would have become a teacher, but I may not have stayed with it this long. I see too many things falling apart and what was considered appropriate behavior being replaced with bad behavior and socially accepted excuses for that negativity.
—K-3 teacher
Yes. It was a wonderful occupation at that time in my life when I was a young mom.
—Linda Keegan, elementary counselor
Yes, because I am privileged to make a difference, a positive difference and to re-introduce the passion for learning—over and over, everyday.
—Seta Khajarian, academic advisor
Yes, working with young people helps keep me feeling young. Watching a young person achieve things that they thought they couldn’t and seeing them experience new things in very rewarding.
—Jeff Kirsch, middle school emotional support teacher
Yes, because it allows me to be creative and autonomous. The satisfaction is great but so is the frustration because we can’t follow the child home and some children fall through the tracks. No because I don’t get paid enough.
—Marilyn Lane, former principal, president CA Association Gifted
If the world was still the same as in 1971 when I began college, yes, I would do it all over again. However, if I were a graduating high school senior this year, I would have so many more options open to me that I do not think teaching would be at the top of my list. I would not feel that my only career choices are teaching or nursing. I believe choice for women is one of the major reasons that the teaching profession is experiencing a decline in numbers of new recruits.
—Diane Laveglia, instructional specialist for staff development
Definitely! I have found my niche.
—Sherri Leeper, fourth grade teacher
Yes, definitely. I was born to be an educator. I have lots of other interests, but I know my strength. I once thought I would be a psychologist, but I found that school psychologists do a lot of testing and scoring, and clinical psychologists do testing and listen to problems. I have been able to teach, counsel, and work with all kinds of children and adults. My job has never been boring.
—Berna Levine, special education supervisor
Yes. It is one of the most satisfactory of professions and each year you get to start anew. In addition, the growth can be continual.
—Marvin Marshall, author and educator
If I had to choose again, I would still choose education. Working with children has been a very rewarding experience. There are so many aspects of teaching that I enjoy: trying new things, the challenge of reaching every child, watching a student learning to read. I can’t think of many other careers that provide you with as much reinforcement and motivation.
—Jacie Bejster Maslyk, elementary principal
Honestly, I would answer no. After 15 years in the field I am very disgruntled with the lack of discipline I see kids coming in with. I don’t blame the kids. Kids will be kids, always have and always will, but I believe parents in this country have completely abandoned teaching responsibility and instead treat children like pets which does them a disservice. The teenagers I work with are wonderful bright people but they could be so much more. And on a more selfish note: My attorney charges $22.50 to read and respond to an email. I read this one for free.
—math teacher
Absolutely! I love what I do, yes there are times I would just like to be left alone to do my job, but we all have to “play the game.”
—Michelle Mayrose, Title I reading specialist
Teaching is one of the best and stable jobs you can have. If you love being around children you are rewarded everyday.
—David McAndrew, dean of students
I would absolutely go into teaching again. Even on the worst days when things don’t go right and all of the students seem a bit more squirrely than usual, there are still so many friendly faces that make the day a bit better.
—Teddy Meckstroth, seventh grade science teacher
I would absolutely go into teaching. It is an important job and at the end of the day and many times in the middle of the day, I can honestly say that I am helping people. I feel like I help the students as well as the parents many times. I can use my teaching skills to help parents with their parental skills when they want it.
—Wonell Miller, elementary teacher
Had you asked me this question after my first two years of teaching, the answer would have been a definite no. Something changed the third year of my teaching profession. For the first time, I had a mentor that truly cared about whether or not I succeeded and he spent a great deal of time explaining the enjoyable parts of our great profession. I am a father of three students, son of two educators, and a brother to another. You could say that it is in our blood to teach but the reality of it for me is the moments we share with our students that help to shape their lives. This may occur in the classroom, on an athletic field, during a field trip, or in the grocery store. I have been given an opportunity to improve the future of America’s young and I go to work every day with the excitement of knowing that my students look forward to seeing me as much as I look forward to seeing them.
—Josh Moberg, high school career specialist
Yes, because young people need teachers, Spirit Whisperers, who can teach form the heart. They need people that can say “The Emperor isn't wearing any clothes.” The need people who can stand in the middle of the testing craze and help young people learn the silent curriculum, the one that the leaders are not giving appropriate attention to.
—Chick Moorman, author, educator
I would definitely still go into teaching. I’m not a person who grew up knowing that I always wanted to be a teacher. I changed my mind about my major a few times, but now that I’m in a classroom, I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. I’ve always been a creative, organized, patient, and a little bit goofy as a person. Teaching PreK allows me to incorporate my personality into every aspect of my career.
—Anne Morgan, pre-K at-risk teacher
There are some days that I don’t regret teaching, but there are days when I think why did I go into teaching and I need to take time to remember. I think that I question myself because I feel overwhelmed by what I need to know to help better my students, the daily things (correcting papers, making copies, preparing field trips), making lesson plans, meeting school goals as well as trying to make myself better and attending professional development. I also feel as if I’m the parent, psychologist, police officer, and miracle worker at the same time. The children are very needy. Also, having students that come from a bad home life and having them bring that attitude into school makes it difficult because they don’t want to complete any work. Often these students show no effort or desire to learn.
—Katherine Nguyen-Ho
If I had to do it all over again, I would most certainly go into teaching. There is no better feeling in the world than watching kids prosper and in knowing in some small way we had a hand in helping them.
—Gerri-Lynn Nichols, special education teacher
I would go into teaching again—no doubt! I think it is one of the few professions today where you can truly make an impact on future generations, reaching one student and seeing positive results. Success carries you over many tough roads.
—Phyllis O’Brien, curriculum consultant
Without a doubt! I love being in the classroom with all those little people. It is wonderful to see all the light bulbs go off! I teach first grade and love to see the tremendous growth of these children in such a short time.
—Joanne Peters, first grade ESL teacher
Yes. Teaching is in my blood. At the age of six or seven, when my family immigrated to the United States from war-torn Europe after WWII, I began to teach my mother all the English I was learning. We were both bi-lingual in Estonian and German. Picking up English was easier for me. I shared what I was learning with my mother so she could function in this new country. When she didn’t understand something, I had to figure out another way to teach her. And so a teacher was born.
—Aili Pogust, educational consultant
No. Too much responsibility for the pay. Teachers do not get the respect they deserve from students and parents. Teachers do not get support from administrators.
—professional development project coordinator
Absolutely! I love working with kids, seeing them learn and grow. There is nothing better then seeing the students I’ve been working with proud of themselves when they achieve success in whatever it is we are studying.
—Sione Quaas, elementary teacher
Yes I would go into teaching again. Sure it is not a perfect profession without any problems, but what profession is? I love working with children and their families and making a difference. Even the problems and challenges I face, I enjoy trying to overcome them as that makes me a stronger person and also helps my students. Even on my toughest and worst days, I never lose that ‘idealistic’ hope that all teachers start off with.
—Darren Raichart, junior high special education teacher and coach
I would go into teacher again tomorrow. It is the best profession in the world. I think all new teachers should understand that teaching is not a job—it is a mission that you must believe in with all your heart and be strong for the journey.
—Jean Ramirez, positive behavior support specialist
Yes, I would still teach if I had to do it all over again. I have always loved working with children. Growing up, I babysat a lot, enjoyed being a summer camp counselor, and I also worked with recreational programs for children during the school year.
—Lois Romm, elementary readng teacher
Maybe I have been blessed to work in a good district but I would go into teaching again because I love working with kids in an academic setting. My career of 35 years has been so rewarding and I don’t regret any of it. The feeling I get when I’m teaching, when the kids are with me and everything clicks, is indescribable!
—Marcia Rosen, reading teacher, specialist, facilitator
Yes. The kids make everything worthwhile. Nothing is better than the feeling you get when a student finally gets a concept I have been struggling to teach. Also, the students always put things in perspective as soon as they walk through the door each morning. It’s hard not to feel a sense of joy when the kids are smiling and upbeat, even on the days that I drive to school feeling a little stressed.
—Adrian Schaefer, third grade teacher
Yes. However, I would definitely want to teach High School or College. Anymore, on the Elementary level, you don’t only have to teach your subject area, but you have to be like a parent and teach them things such as respect and manners, how to tie a shoe, how to zip a jacket, all aspects of behavior, etc.
—Sherry Schafer, K-8 music teacher
I can’t imagine my life if I hadn’t been a teacher! It’s all I ever wanted to do from the time that I was 10 years old, and here I am, 33 years later still loving it! I retired from public education last year, and had already signed a contract to teach in a new private school in my town. I feel like a first year teacher again, but this time I have 32 years of experience to help me. I never had any children of my own, but I’ve raised hundreds of them over the years and have had all of the joys and sorrows that parents have. My life has been richer and more marvelous than many people I know, and I feel blessed by my experiences with my students.
—Gail Scott, 5th-7th grade language arts teacher
If I had to go into teaching again I would. I love the kids and absolutely love seeing them make progress throughout the year.
—second grade teacher
Yes, I would go into teaching again. I believe that I can make a difference in the world and for students through my hard work and interaction. Making a difference is the most important thing to me—there’s not a better setting to make a difference than in education.
—secondary math specialist
Yes. It is one of the decisions one makes without realizing it, when, as a child, helping others is important, even if it is one’s own family. Wanting to make a difference manifests itself in many ways but those who truly want to teach know it long before they face their first class of students.
—Lindsay Shepheard, executive assistant to the superintendent
I definitely would go into teaching. It is rewarding and your classroom is essentially your own domain. You can set it up how you wish, you can manage the students how you wish, you can basically be your own boss.
—Jill Snyderman, kindergarten teacher
Yes I would go into teaching. Where else can you make a difference in an individual's life as well as influence life choices. Education makes the difference. Educate one member of a family beyond high school and you will have make a difference in future generations.
—special education teacher and k-8 supervisor
Yes, I would definitely go into teaching if I had it to do over again. The reason is the wonderful reward you get when you see that lightbulb go off!! (Can’t put a price on it!)
—teacher
I definitely would go into teaching again! There is no greater satisfaction to me than making a difference in the life of a child. A career in education is so much more than teaching children new concepts. It entails wearing the hat of a role model, encourager, questioner, and all around caretaker. While playing these roles we are never sure what impact our leadership will have, but if you’re lucky they come back and tell you about the seeds you planted and the difference you made. It is very rewarding.
—third grade teacher
I would still go into teaching. I love working with the students and that is my main concern in teaching. There are many politics that will put stress onto your shoulders, but always remember why you went into teaching in the beginning.
—Shelly Traver, seventh grade life science teacher
If I had a chance to do it over again I would still go into teaching. I cannot imagine having a more rewarding job. There are days where I feel like I simply cannot answer another question, tie another shoe, break up another argument, pick up another pencil, zip another coat, dry another tear, smile one more smile and then… it happens. One of my students will walk right up to me and hug me, or thank me for something, or tell me a story about how they could read a stop sign when they were in the car, or apologize to a friend for hurting their feelings (unprompted), or tie someone’s shoe, or ask me if I had a good day, or do something that makes it all worthwhile. My headache melts away without Tylenol and a smile appears on my face because that is the only expression I can possibly show at that time. Nothing could ever make me look back and make me that think I would rather have done it differently. Nothing.
—Jillian Tsoukalas, kindergarten teacher
Absolutely. Even though I am a school administrator now, I believe that for anyone, teaching something that you excel in is the most enriching experience you can have. Whether it is teaching someone to ski, bowl, motorcycle ride, draw, or multiply numbers, sharing with someone else something you are passionate about is an amazing experience.
—Stephen Vance, special services coordinator
Teaching has been my life. Teaching is the career I chose and would choose again as my life’s work in a heartbeat. The workload, at times, was nearly unbearable—but it was tremendously satisfying work.
—veteran teacher
Yes, I love teaching kids who want to learn. I love the connections I am able to make with kids. I enjoy my colleagues. Holidays are awesome and so are summers.
—Theresa Weidner, high school English teacher
I have always wanted to be a teacher and I have no regrets about choosing this profession. I love this job and find it very rewarding.
—Kim Wilson, teacher
I tried other occupations, a real estate company and futures and options trading but I kept coming back to education in some capacity. I don’t know that I would want to go into teaching now because teachers are forced to teach the test.
—Dot Woodfin, director of character education program
Yes, absolutely. I actually quit after my first year and went into the business world. I came back a year later and I’ve loved it ever since.
—Eric Wright, administrative intern
I would still go into teaching because when you have those “teachable moments” and all eyes are on you, interested in the knowledge, asking questions and enthusiastic about learning, there is no other feeling like that.
—Ruthann Young-Cookson, middle school special ed teacher
I have loved teaching but it seems to get harder and harder every year as the class sizes have grown. I also might have found a district that had some respect for its teachers and did not make every negotiations year so stressful. I could also have made so much more money at a different district. It is really sad.
—Beth Zelfer, fourth grade teacher
I’m working in so many things, which are interest and I enjoy and I have skills, so I'm not sure. Anyway I enjoy working as a teacher, and I can merge many of my interests as a teacher.
—Ales Zitnik, principal
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