Are you a teacher?

[YourLocalJesus]

Are you a teacher?
Are you studying to become a teacher?
Why did you want to become a teacher?
Do you consider yourself a good pedagogue and speaker?
In what field do you teach?


As many of you know, I live in Sweden. We have a different school system up here, wich causes me to lie if I said I was studying to become a college teacher in english, but it would be close enough. In two and a half years when I am finished with the english, I will pick history. Thus making me a teacher in English and History. There is also the possibility to become a lector, PhD and professor in pedagogy or my fields of knowledge.
I will probably work as a teacher for a longer period and then go for a doctoral degree.

[edcoaching]

Are you a teacher?
I teach teachers, so it's close. I spend a lot of time in urban classrooms with children ages 10-14, and then more time training adult educators. And I teach college courses. Does that count?

Why did you want to become a teacher?
I would have, but when I was in college we were told there wouldn't be jobs, so to major in something else. I wanted to teach because I love literature and dreamed of helping students learn to love books. So I majored in English anyway, and Business. But my doctorate is in education, so I ended up teaching after all, many years later.

Do you consider yourself a good pedagogue and speaker?
I have to say yes, because my students and participants say so. I'm far better now than when I taught my first college course. I learned a lot on the job that semester!!

In what field do you teach?
I've taught business writing, finance. In classes for teachers now, I teach leadership, coaching and differentiated instruction (i.e., tailoring instruction to meet the needs of each student). In urban schools, I mostly work with math teachers. Yesterday I co-taught a problem-solving strategy to 11-year-olds who still struggle to make sense of simple word problems. Challenging for us and yet so rewarding when they start getting it! That's why I'm involved with our schools.

[Enyo]

Are you a teacher?
Are you studying to become a teacher?
Why did you want to become a teacher?
Do you consider yourself a good pedagogue and speaker?
In what field do you teach?


1.) Not yet.
2.) Yup.
3.) I want to teach kids how to think. I want them to have an education that they will value and enjoy gaining. I want to be that influence that drives kids to be successful.
4.) I do well with presentations and facilitation. I was actually a trainer in a classroom setting for a while at my last job.
5.) I'm hoping to teach history or lit to high school students. My major would support teaching either one.

[Recoleta]

Are you a teacher?
Yes. I just started teaching about 5 weeks ago. I was hired by the Spanish dept. of my university to teach SPAN 1001. It's been quite a learning experience!

Why did you want to become a teacher?
Hmm originally I didn't. At all. However, as I've gotten a little bit older I realized that I really like school. Actually, I have always liked academia. I love books, and language, and foreign cultures so language education kind of envelopes all those things. Also, each student is different, so it's like working a giant rubics cube to figure out what methods, activities, books/lessons work best to promote learning. Teaching is a job that constantly challenges you to find better ways to do things, and while it can get repetitive with the planning and grading, I think it's WAY better than sitting in a cublice all day and running "the rat race." Finally, gotta love summer vacation time!

Do you consider yourself a good pedagogue and speaker?
Overall I'd say I'm ok with it. I'm still new to the job, but for being an introvert I am surprisingly comfortable and "at home" in front of my class. I talk to my students as if they were my friends, and try not to ever talk down to them. We joke around, and for the most part I feel my class is interesting to them even despite all the grammar and vocab. Really, I like the college-aged kids (from 18-25)...they've been great fun to work with!

In what field do you teach?
Right now I'm teaching beginning-level Spanish, and have been loving it! However, I'm studying to teach English as a Second Language, but I may drift between the 2 languages as job availability changes. I think I also want to become certified in Mathematics at the middle and high school levels.

[Grayscale]

mi madres is a teacher. she seems to enjoy it.

i have nothing else to contribute to this thread. :)

[reason]

I'd like to be a teacher, but for now I am the student--just started my first year of college.

[Eileen]

i am a teacher, but today i am grumpy about it, so i'll get back to you on that.

[Mighty Mouse]

I am a trainer which basically means I am a teacher for adults.

[Aimahn]

I teach people how to make things disappear. So i guess you can say im a teacher and magician.

[Winz]

No.

The End.

[Snowey1210]

Are you a teacher?
No not yet, I will be in about 6 weeks when I finish my degree.

Are you studying to become a teacher?
Yes, as above.

Why did you want to become a teacher?
I guess it's because I wasn't really sure what it was that I wanted to do. Being a teacher is good because it suits my Jack-of-all-trades personality. At the moment it is what I want to do, however I wouldn't mind other areas of study in the future. However, It is a good feeling knowing that you have made a difference in people's lives.

Do you consider yourself a good pedagogue and speaker?
Yes, I believe I am. I am a very content driven teacher, and believe strongly in building the connection between the "outside world" and the classroom. I find that students need to understand the ultimate purpose behind what it is they are learning, as knowledge is pointless within a vaccuum. I'm also a big advocate of Inquiry-Based Learning. I believe the student needs to be able to drive their learning through their own questioning, as a means to encourage life long learning.

I'm a good speaker in front of the class, but I've always felt more comfortable when I've had a bit of an Audience. I guess it's an ENTP thing, lol.

In what field do you teach?
I'm going to be a Primary School teacher so I have to teacher a broad variety of different subjects. I'm not too keen on the idea of high school teaching (bad memories, lol), but lecturing would probably be pretty cool.

[Orangey]

Are you a teacher?

Technically, yes. I'm a TA, but I have to teach an independent course (I'm not one of those TA's that only has to grade tests and papers).

Are you studying to become a teacher?
Yes, since a professor is a type of teacher.

Why did you want to become a teacher?
Well, I want to become a professor, and teaching is one part of being a professor. So I'd say that I decided to become a teacher about three years ago when I decided to go into academia. Teaching never was the central focus of my goals, though.

Do you consider yourself a good pedagogue and speaker?
I'd honestly like to think so...but I often have my doubts. Sometimes I feel like I'm being redundant or talking down to the students, but this usually turns out to be false (at least I think). I'd say that my overall strength as a teacher has been my objectivity and laid-back manner (and sense of humor). I actually got a compliment from a student the other day for being one of the only TA's of the course (there are several sections being taught by a bunch of other TA's in the department) that doesn't bring my personal politics into the classroom. Even though this isn't something that I do deliberately, I thought that it was a fair remark about my style of teaching.

As far as being a speaker, I know that my delivery can always use improvement. That being said, I do think that I do a fair job. Not spectacular, but fair.

In what field do you teach?
I teach public speaking...which is a challenge because it's one of those courses that sits right between being academic and practical (not that something can't be both). So I have to balance lecturing on the history of oratory with having the class do improvisation games to improve diction and delivery...which can be a weird transition.

[Tallulah]

When I see Orangey's name as the last poster of this topic, my brain reads the thread title as "Orange You a Teacher?" Like the old "Orange you glad I didn't say banana?" jokes.

I am a teacher, and when my brain is less fried, I'll come back and answer the questions.

[nonsequitur]

Are you a teacher?
Well, I teach biochem practical to 2nd-year students, have been since the beginning of this year.

Are you studying to become a teacher?
No. I am studying to become a researcher. The teaching gig is for fun.

Why did you want to become a teacher?
Um, the part-time job paid relatively well? Plus, I'd have time to work on my research project. It was only later on that I realised that 1) I love teaching 2) I hate marking.

Do you consider yourself a good pedagogue and speaker?
Um, no. I stutter when I get excited/nervous and my students think that it's cute (sad but true, they told me this). Also, I am not assertive enough to get my students to focus, finish their work on time etc. Students who are independent and driven find me an encouraging, motivating teacher. Students who want to escape from the class ASAP find me easy to bully. (That said, I take marks off and figure that if they don't want to be there, it's their choice.)

In what field do you teach?
Biochemistry.

I don't think I could teach full-time though. I hate the marking, students being unmotivated, etc.

[booya moon]

Do you consider yourself a good pedagogue and speaker?
Um, no. I stutter when I get excited/nervous and my students think that it's cute (sad but true, they told me this). Also, I am not assertive enough to get my students to focus, finish their work on time etc. Students who are independent and driven find me an encouraging, motivating teacher. Students who want to escape from the class ASAP find me easy to bully. (That said, I take marks off and figure that if they don't want to be there, it's their choice.)

In what field do you teach?
Biochemistry.

I don't think I could teach full-time though. I hate the marking, students being unmotivated, etc.

Hi fellow scientist :hi:
My primary occupation is also research, but we are required do some teaching as well. I teach Clinical biochemistry and laboratory medicine and this year I am starting with Genetics. At the beginning I felt it is such a waste of time (stealing away my precious research time :nerd:), but realized I am quite good at it - so now it is one of my favorite activities. Actually, the interaction with students gives me fresh energy and enthusiasm when my lab-work is not going so well.
Do you consider yourself a good pedagogue and speaker?
I always feel I could do better, but apparently my students are satisfied with me. At the end of each year the students anonymously grade the teaching staff - you get the grades from 1 to 5 (5 being the highest) - so you can get a feedback about your work. This year I got 4.8 average - so I obviously rock :D And in addition to that I am quite entertaining. Once after the seminar one of the students said (with a disappointed expression): you didn`t say anything funny today. Maybe I have chosen a wrong profession - should be a stand-up comedian?
Unmotivated students are really depressing, but the ones that are willing to learn are really worth it :yes:

[Enyo]

Unmotivated college students always annoy me. I mean, honestly, if they were paying for it themselves instead of relying on mommy and daddy's dime, I'm pretty sure they'd care more.

[FDG]

Unmotivated college students always annoy me. I mean, honestly, if they were paying for it themselves instead of relying on mommy and daddy's dime, I'm pretty sure they'd care more.

That's right - since the 2nd year, when I started to use my own money, I became a lot more motivated.

[Littlelostnf]

Are you a teacher?

Yes

Are you studying to become a teacher?

A good teacher never stops studying to become a better one so yup...still studying

Why did you want to become a teacher?

I like the thought of helping others with their thinking process. I don't think people do enough thinking on their own. Most people get told what to think and don't know how to start or encourage their own thinking process. I wanted that to change

Do you consider yourself a good pedagogue and speaker?

If I went on others perceptions I'd have to say yes..but I question myself everyday and try to figure out ways to be better


In what field do you teach?

I am a special education teacher as well as an elementary education teacher. I am certified to teach Special Ed K-12 and Regular ed K-8.
Presently I'm teaching all subjects to a fifth grade population (10/11 yrs)

[Mighty Mouse]

Are you a teacher?
Are you studying to become a teacher?
Why did you want to become a teacher?
Do you consider yourself a good pedagogue and speaker?
In what field do you teach?


As many of you know, I live in Sweden. We have a different school system up here, wich causes me to lie if I said I was studying to become a college teacher in english, but it would be close enough. In two and a half years when I am finished with the english, I will pick history. Thus making me a teacher in English and History. There is also the possibility to become a lector, PhD and professor in pedagogy or my fields of knowledge.
I will probably work as a teacher for a longer period and then go for a doctoral degree.

Is there something particular that you are looking to know about the actual experience of teaching that will help you in your exploration of the issue?

[Geoff]

Are you a teacher?
Are you studying to become a teacher?
Why did you want to become a teacher?
Do you consider yourself a good pedagogue and speaker?
In what field do you teach?



I lecture in my professional environment to adults in groups of about 30-150 depending upon subject and occasion. Usually in 1-2 hr slots on technical updates but I also do teaching on stuff like career development and how to look after staff.

I do it because I used to hate being on my feet in front of a group - if I didnt embrace it, the knowledge that it'd keep being there in the background would have always tormented me. So I did it to gain comfort from the fear of it, and now I mostly enjoy it.

[Santtu]

I'm not a teacher, but I've consistently (for 10 years) aspired to become one. Inspiring teachers are one of the top professions I can imagine. I've educated people privately on matters of computers, math, chemistry, physics, and some on issues related to mental health and well-being. I've received extremely good feedback on my work.

In my country, you need a university degree to qualify for the position of a teacher. I'm not going for that, so I won't become a teacher, except for possibly in some private education outside the regular system. It's usual for unqualified professionals to offer courses on a specialized subject matter in our country; for example, some detail in system administration or such.

[Anja]

My mother was a grade school teacher, my husband was once a college health prof and wrestling coach and once upon a time I taught English for a year. Then I had a baby. Typical INFP planning ahead in action.

I taught artsy-fartsy things in a military youth center - ceramics, pottery, like that.

Later I went into the health field and after a few years taught in staff development. And I've dabbled in community ed.

Yes, I'm a good teacher and enjoy it, but I don't like the administrational aspects/politics very much.

I swear I can spot a teacher in RL a mile away!

[Little Linguist]

Are you a teacher?

Yes.

Are you studying to become a teacher?

I'm not technically enrolled at a school if that's what you mean. But I learn everyday.

Why did you want to become a teacher?

I had a hunch and it was right. Starting as a teaching assistant at a high school in Germany, I learned how much I loved it. So I went ahead and did it.

Do you consider yourself a good pedagogue and speaker?

If I get enough sleep, yes, I am.

In what field do you teach?

I teach English at a private language school and love it!!!!!!!!!!! :D

[Condor]

Yes, I am a teacher, and have been one for over twenty years. I teach electrical engineering and technical math courses to adult students. I became a teacher because it was natural for me - I was a trainer on the job, and people came to me because I have an ability to explain things simply.

I am a good public speaker, and I enjoy the time in the classroom. For me, teaching isn't a job - it's a privilege.

Hope that helps!

[animenagai]

Are you a teacher? nope.

Are you studying to become a teacher? kinda. i'm gonna start my masters next year with my philosophy degree. i'm hoping to go all the way and that will include lecturing.

Why did you want to become a teacher? because i love philosophy. spreading the word on it would be pretty cool but tbh, i want to do research first and foremost.

Do you consider yourself a good pedagogue and speaker? yes i am. in fact, i can't shut up :D. sometimes though when i'm talking about something more complexed, people get confused and i feel like there's better ways of communicating. i'll work on that.

In what field do you teach? as i said, i want to teach philosophy. if anyone says they don't know any philosophy by the time they get to uni, they're wrong. philosophy is everywhere, in fact i'll say that everything IS philosophy. philosophy is the only field that tackles logic itself as a subject. you can't tell me that's not relevant to every field.