Chapter 1: Becoming a Teacher

Joyful Things

• 1) I find joy in the fact that teaching is an important job. I want to have an impact on the world and I think teaching is a good way to do that.
• 2) I find the idea of helping students do the best they can very joyful. I like helping people succeed.
• 3) The fact that by 2012 700,000 teachers will be retired is good news for me. It makes it more likely for me to get a job in the future.

Not So Joyful Things

• 1)The fact that the standards for teachers vary from state to state makes me not joyful. It seems like a lot of work to meet these new standards just so you can work.
• 2) Having a low salary is not joyful. I need money to live.
• 3)Math and science teachers are in high demand but I am working on being an English teacher. That makes me not joyful. What if my concentration keeps me from getting a job?