As a teacher, I am often baffled at the misconceptions that society has about teaching and teachers. The teacher in me obviously wants to teach the masses, so here are the top 5 biggest myths of teaching and some elaboration on why they are myths!
1. We are just hanging out/babysitting kids all day.
When teachers are advocating for higher pay, this myth of teaching always rears its ugly head. Because teachers don’t deserve extra pay, we just hang out with kids all day. But what society doesn’t see is the lesson planning, grading, meetings, emails, counseling, advising, and parenting (yes, parenting) that we do in the classroom as well.
For every class, I have to create lessons that are engaging, meet the needs of my students and their background knowledge, and are meeting the standards set by my state. After delivering the lesson – literally performing in front of the class – I have to provide feedback and provide grades for students to know how they are doing at achieving the standards.
On top of that, there are 504 meetings, staff meetings, IEP meetings, meetings with parents, meetings with other teachers, trainings, networking, and other things that I have to do – usually during my prep time, which I try to use for planning and grading.
There are emails home that have to be sent – both positive and negative. There are emails to my colleagues about students or providing resources. There are emails from the district about policies and trainings that we have to attend. There are emails about potential extra jobs, or being a club advisor, or coaching. There are emails from students requesting extensions on work, asking questions, or needing clarification on homework. The emails never end!
Along with the basic requirements of my job, I am also a trusted adult for students. Sometimes students need someone to talk to about their friend drama. Or have questions about college or work. Sometimes students need a friendly reminder of manners.
At the end of the day, we are not simply hanging out with students. We are doing so much more.
2. We get summers off.
Oh my gosh, I wish I got summers off. During the summer, I am already thinking about and planning for the beginning of the next school year. I’m reflecting on lessons, creating curriculum, attending trainings to meet my hours required, buying supplies that I’ve run out of over the course of the year, and often taking on projects that I want to add into my classroom – like last summer, I reorganized my classroom library and implemented flexible seating options.
Often, the work that we put in over the summer is unpaid. There are several teachers who work second jobs during the summer on top of prepping for the next school year. The idea that we get summers off is one of the biggest myths of teaching that undermines the work that teachers do.
3. “Those that can’t do, teach.”
The concept that if you can’t do a certain job or skill, you teach it instead, completely demeans the education and skill level of teachers. Often times, the only time someone can teach something to someone else, is when they are able to do something themselves. To be able to achieve higher level thinking, you have to be able to teach others about how to do something or understand it.
4. We only work 30 minutes before and after school starts.
The idea that we only work the 30 minutes before and after classes start is a huge myth for teachers. Those are our contract times, but many teachers put in much more time than that. Often staying after school for an hour or more, working on weekends, and putting in unpaid labor over the summer as I mentioned above.
There may be some days that teachers are able to be in and out quickly, but all teachers put in extra unpaid time outside their contract hours.
5. Teachers are in it for the students, not the money.
This is another myth that comes up tons when teachers begin to advocate for higher pay. The idea that we are in the job for the students is correct – many teachers want to help students be their best selves. However, it is also our job and we have bills that we need to pay.
The fact is that teachers have to attend a 4-year college to get their bachelors degree, pay to complete student teaching (and do not get paid during this time), and then often times, are expected to pay for additional learning to maintain their certificate. With that alone, teachers typically have student loan payments to make. Add on the normal living expenses, teachers need to make a livable wage. While the job is emotionally fulfilling, it also needs to be financially fulfilling as well.
8 Comments
this was a good read,
Yes to all of this! My husband and I both work in education so we get double the comments. So fun. I think another myth is that we are indoctrinating children with our own agendas. Nope.
My husband and I are also both teachers as well. Oh my gosh, yes the indoctrinating myth – if I could do that, I would tell them to put their phones away and do their work ha!
We need to appreciate your teachers! Thanks for sharing!
This is a great peak inside a teachers routine! It’s good to let people know teachers are more than just teachers
Great info, thank you!
I taught in the classroom for 9 years, and I completely agree with you about the myths of teaching! Teaching is a huge job, and it takes a lot of planning, preparation, and dedication. I remember bringing home my prep work every night so that I could get it all done.
Such a great read. Teachers are so valuable!