It really astounds me that with the economy going the way it is that many people are retiring early and thinking that they will become teachers now because, anyone can do it.
Well in my opinion they are wrong.

There are people that have a gift for teaching. They understand that they will never make a million, but that doesn't matter because they understand that seeing the light a child's eye when they "get it" is worth more. They know that they will have to fight for every 1-3% raise that they get, but they need to prepare the lesson for tomorrow before they start that fight because the children are where their priority lies. They understand that there will be little if no praise for their efforts from their students, parents, or administration because that is just the way it is. They know that they are expected to be miracle workers even though they can only control what is happening to that student 8 hours of the day.

Natural born teachers understand that a child's life outside of the school is not their concern; there is nothing they can do about that. Other than signs of child abuse they cannot intervene if there is a divorce, or alcoholic parents, or no food in the house They can and have for years gone to the kitchens in schools and begged for something to give little Johnny because he came to school hungry. But they can help that child be a success when they enter the school doors. They can make that child feel worth something for at least a few hours of the day and that is what they try to do on a daily basis. They softly touch a child's shoulder and say "Way to go". They bend down and whisper in a child's ear, "Nice job, keep it up." They look at the work and give a big grin and say "I knew you could".

Natural born teachers understand that classroom management is the most important part of teaching for if they cannot control the learning environment, and then there will be no learning. Learning cannot take place in a classroom of disruptive and undisciplined students. Learning cannot take place in a classroom where the students have no respect for themselves, others, the teacher, or the rules. Natural born teachers will teach and establish rules within the first few days and weeks of school so that students know how they are to act and the consequences if they do not act that way. Teachers that teach will teach their students from the first day that they, the student, make the choice by what they choose or choose not to do. Their actions will result in a good consequence or a bad consequence and the teacher is willing to apply those consequences no matter who you are or what you look like.

Now many people do not know that they are natural born teachers, but when they are facing 30 students eager to try their patience they will either step up and take control and the year will fly by without any clock watching. On the other hand if they don't step up and let the students take control then they will learn real quick that "this is going to be a long year."

Caroline Mackay is a retired teacher with 37 years experience in teaching and educating students in the elementary schools. She wrote, produced, and directed plays and programs to encourage the display of patriotism, how to stay drug free, celebrate holidays and encourage physical fitness. Being artless herself she developed some Art Starts to encourage her students to express themselves through art. Making education an exciting fun experience she developed games and learning activities to keep the students engaged in the learning experience. She is the host of http://www.ezeducationplays.com where you can find plays that teach and entertain children.