Teachers Rock – Here’s Why According To Students
Today, more than ever, Teacher Appreciation Day is an important time for us to honor our educators. I’ve personally witnessed (and read about) the herculean efforts of educators who have pivoted quickly to remote learning while also looking out for their students’ emotional wellbeing. So, in honor of this special week, I’d like educators to hear what students think about teaching careers.
Within our app’s Career Quests, roles models introduce students to careers via videos and self-reflection quizzes. These role models help students to understand work options and determine which professions are a best fit for their interests, values, and desired work characteristics. At the end of each Career Quest, students have the opportunity to journal and share their thoughts about the given career.
After viewing Career Quests that feature educators, the thoughts students share are heartwarming and demonstrate that many students view teaching careers as cool and noble…
“Teaching shows that working hard can show great outcomes... you can help kids who really need it and have a great life knowing you did something amazing.”
“I think it would be cool to be able to educate kids about something I am passionate about.”
“I think that this career would be tons of fun.”
“This would be a great job that I am willing to put in a lot of work for.”
“This career sounds awesome. I like kids and their future matters to me because they will matter in life.”
“I would love to have that job because I get to work with kids.”
“I would like to teach kids new things that'll change their lives for good.”
“A field like this is something that I would like to do… handing down knowledge to the next generation of students.”
“I would love helping students with different backgrounds.”
“I hope there is still a job like this when I grow up.”
During a time when teaching may be especially challenging, I think it is uplifting for our educators to see the positive perception that students have about education careers. A HUGE thank you to our educator partners – we appreciate you and the inspiration you provide to students. Be sure to #ThankATeacher this week!
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1660021. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.