10 reasons to become a teacher
10 reasons to become a teacher
If you want a rewarding career that will allow you to truly make a difference, there’s no better profession than teaching. And who better to tell you all about why you should become a teacher than current and future teachers themselves? Check out some of their quotes on the benefits of being a teacher!
1. You’ll make an impact every day
Teaching gives you the opportunity to positively impact lives in real, lasting ways. If you enjoy helping others, building relationships and doing work that matters, teaching offers daily rewards that few professions can match. “It’s not always easy, but it’s genuinely rewarding, and you end each day knowing you’ve had a positive impact on someone,” said Aza Swayzer, a future physical education teacher.
2. There’s variety and creativity in the work you do
If too much routine is cumbersome to you, you’ll thrive as an educator. You get to work with so many personalities, complete a wide range of tasks and showcase your creativity along the way. From finding fun ways to decorate your classroom to new methods of teaching, you’ll love the variety. “No two days are the same, and I get to bring my own personality and creative touch into the classroom!” said Erin Barker, a fourth grade teacher. “There is always an opportunity to try something new, and I love that.”
3. You’ll reap rewards in real time
Some jobs allow you to make a difference, but you don’t get to see the outcomes. A huge benefit of being a teacher is you can witness growth and breakthroughs as they happen. Whether it’s helping a student conquer a challenging math concept or build confidence in themselves, you get to share your passion and watch it transform lives.
"I was drawn to teaching because it is one of the few professions that lets you see the impact of your work unfold in real time,” said Keenan Diers, who is studying math education. “If you are looking for a career where you get to share your passion and impact lives, teaching is the perfect route to go!”
4. There are always incentives to keep learning.
When you choose to be a teacher, you’re choosing to become a lifelong learner. It’s easy to want to keep learning yourself when it helps your students learn so much better in the classroom. There are also key incentives to continuing to learn. Many school districts offer tuition assistance and reimbursement programs, so you can obtain a master’s degree and continue moving up in your career. Teaching endorsements also lead to new knowledge, enhanced credentials and increases in pay.
5. You can be the person who changes a life
If you had great teachers or any kind of mentor in your life growing up, you know the immense impact one person can have for the rest of your life. “Many people can name that one teacher who made all the difference,” said Natalia Johnson, an art teacher. “By becoming a teacher, that person could be you!"
Jacob Gibbs, a social science teaching student, echoes that sentiment. “Being able to show a student that someone notices them, believes in them and wants them to succeed is what pulls me toward education. Those moments I’ve already had with students are what made me realize this is the right path for me.”
6. You’ll get benefits that include but go beyond compensation
Teacher salaries now start at or above $50,000 in Iowa! When looking at any job, it’s important to consider the full picture of your benefits, not simply your compensation. Teaching gives many benefits as far as personal fulfillment goes, but it’s more than that. Most states (including Iowa) offer teachers a defined-benefit pension plan. This means that your individual payout at retirement is set for you, rather than being determined by investment performance. This can give great peace of mind.
7. You’ll help shape the future
At its heart, teaching is a profession that allows you to impact the next generation year after year. That’s exciting! If you’re passionate about creating a better tomorrow, there’s no better place for you than the classroom. “I love teaching because it’s a reflection of the world,” said Mikayla Vetter, who teaches third grade. “I get to watch and help shape the future world changers first hand.”
8. You’ll enjoy a family-friendly work schedule
Work-life balance is so important. The family-friendly nature of being a teacher remains a valued part of choosing teaching. If you have a family of your own (or hope to), being a teacher can help you strike that balance with a little more ease, with a daily schedule that syncs up well with your family’s schedule.
Holidays, breaks and summers offer a change of pace with time to rejuvenate, enjoy hobbies or head off on a road trip – by yourself or with family! It also gives you some flexibility in other goals, like pursuing advanced education.
9. You’ll get to pursue your passion professionally
If there is a specific subject you’ve always been passionate about in school, becoming a teacher is a great way to further your passion. Maybe you love biology. Maybe you’re passionate about literature. Maybe you’ve always gravitated toward mathematics. No matter what it is, teaching allows you to educate others on a subject you love.
10. You’re needed
Teachers are in demand. We can always use more teachers in areas like special education, physics, STEM and TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages). And this is a pivotal time going forward, as many of those great teachers of yours are also retiring – which means there’s an opportunity for you to step to the head of the classroom!
Take the next step toward your future classroom!
If any or all of these benefits of being a teacher appeal to you, it’s time to take the next step and apply to the University of Northern Iowa, a school known for a rich tradition of teacher education programs. Whether you’re interested in elementary education, math education or something else, you’ll find yourself right at home here.
UNI students get to spend time in real classrooms early and often, long before they begin student teaching. This prepares them for the real life of an educator and helps them feel more confident by the time they are managing their own classrooms. Learn more about our many teaching programs by visiting degrees.uni.edu/teaching.
Real, relevant academic excellence for a world that expects future-ready graduates.
- 94% of UNI grads find success within six months of graduation.
- UNI graduates more teachers than any other university in Iowa.
- UNI's middle level education dual major is the only one of its kind in the state.
- UNI is ranked a top regional public university by U.S. News & World Report.
