Jun 6, 2024 4 min read

Q. I’m ready for college in the fall. My financial aid is set, and I received substantial academic scholarships. My mom is proud of me. I’m proud of what I accomplished in high school. Then why am I writing to you? Since I was a little kid, I wanted to be a teacher. In my earliest memories, I’m playing school with my younger siblings (and making them pay attention!). I chose a college that is well known for an excellent education program. I’ve shadowed teachers in my high school and had long conversations with them. Now I have doubts. I know I don’t need to declare a major in my first year, but, if I’m going to change from teaching, I need to find another plan. I’ve asked myself why the doubts now, and my answer is complicated. I still want to be a positive influence in children’s lives, but I noticed some of my teacher/mentors seem exhausted. They mostly work other jobs or have small children at home. They pay for a lot of their classroom supplies out of their own money. Should I find another path to make a difference without feeling so burdened? I feel guilty even asking. You seem to love teaching. Is it worth it?

– 18-year-old

Mary Jo’s Response: I do love teaching. To me, teaching is a vocation, a calling. There is no greater joy than empowering a young person to succeed and grow. When I step back, when I know my students can go forward on their own, I’ve accomplished a goal so powerful, it is difficult to put it into words. It is also glorious when I hear from alumni I taught 10 or 25 or even 35 years ago – and also from students I taught just last year. Learning is about connection and connection builds relationships. I cannot imagine my life without teaching.

I also listen to teachers. Most teachers I know love the profession, but the complaints I hear are about salary, about the purchases for classroom supplies you mentioned, and, in some areas, about a lack of administrative support. A positive work environment seems to make a difference. I challenge you to find any career without some pitfalls; however, the key is how much you love what you do.

There are many paths in education. You’re correct, you do not need to declare a major this year. Why not continue your search, talk with your school’s education professors, and log more shadowing time? I think your questioning is wise and shows insight.

Since I’ve taught college education majors Educational Psychology for 15 years, I was able to reach out via Zoom to six alumni who are actively teaching. Here is a consensus of their words:

Teacher Alumni Response: You’re smart to think critically about teaching. Yes, there are challenges, but for us, the positives far outweigh them. There’s nothing as wonderful as connecting with a student and figuring out how to best reach them. One of the lessons Dr. P. taught us was to look for the “why” of behavior – to see the whole child, to be aware of trauma, and to tailor our curricula to connect with each student. As we discussed this on Zoom, our school years are coming to an end – some this week, some next. The hardest part of teaching for us? Creating a community every year and needing to say goodbye at the end. Best of luck as you decide your life work. We think you should give teaching a chance. We’re not sorry we did.

Have a question? Send it to Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski’s email podmj@healthyteens.com.