When one makes the decision to become a teacher, he or she will receive numerous rewards. Too often the focus is placed on the negative dimensions of teaching (and justifiably so in many cases); however, discourses that concentrate on the more challenging aspects of teaching should not deter one from joining such a noble profession. What follows is a list of seven rewards (both extrinsic and intrinsic) one will gain by becoming a teacher:
1. Modest salaries. Although teachers are not paid what they deserve to be paid, one will receive a salary that is fairly comparable to those in similar fields with similar levels of educational attainment. Most teachers receive a benefits package, which usually includes healthcare insurance, retirement compensation and etc.
3. Power
4. Good Work Schedule. Most teachers don’t have to work during the summer and are paid while they enjoy their summer vacation.
5. Change Students’ Lives. Each day, you will have an opportunity to ameliorate and impact the lives of tomorrow’s leaders. Your students’ interactions with you will have an enduring impact on how they think, learn, and progress. When you see them evolve into great citizens and leaders, you will know that you played in an instrumental role in helping them to become who they are.
6. Stimulation and Support from Fellow Teachers
7. Performance of a Significant Social Service
What are some rewards of teaching you would add to this list?
Antonio Maurice Daniels
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Related articles
- Keeping and Growing Great Teachers: 12 Lessons (blogs.edweek.org)
- Teachers Pay Teachers – Teacher Synergy Inc. (itunes.apple.com)
- The Truth About Being a Public School Teacher (writingishardwork.com)
- Waukesha School District considering rewarding teachers for performance (jsonline.com)
- Melinda Gates: Without Teachers, the Classroom Is Just a Room (huffingtonpost.com)
- Secret Teacher: our schools need more teaching and less management (guardian.co.uk)
- A Resolution For Teachers (howtolearn.com)
- Thank the Lord for Congress: Teachers are Looking Pretty Good Right Now (cafecasey.com)
Revolutionary Paideia 
I love this post. Teaching is truly a rewarding career because few others give the type internal knowledge that we have changed a soul. If you have any doubt, read Salome Thomas El’s books, “Principal El.” “Why I Chose to Stay,” and “The Immortality of Influence.” They are truly inspirational reasons why we do the job we do.
Thank you very much! Two excellent recommended readings. We have the most important jobs. Too much attention is devoted to the negative dimensions of teaching. I, therefore, decided to inform the reading public that there are many more positive aspects about teaching that outweigh the negative aspects. I very much appreciate you for reading and your response.
I agree, but I have to admit, sometimes, the inner satire comes out on my page:)
We have to allow that inner satire to come out. It’s useful and necessary.