Failure is a part of life. It’s what makes us learn and eventually succeed. Sometimes it’s our fault that we fail, and other times, we’re not given the tools we need to succeed. Failure isn’t the worst thing that can happen to us in our lives. It can make us stronger and more prepared to face what lies ahead. These five reasons are some of the biggest reasons that teachers fail. Even if you feel like a failure now, there’s still hope. Realizing your failures is more than half the battle to finding your way to success.
1. Teachers fail because their heart isn’t in the job.
Teaching isn’t the perfect career for everyone, and that’s okay. We were all given unique talents, but sometimes figuring out how and where to use those talents can be tricky. You may have originally thought you were destined and talented as a teacher. However, if you know that your heart isn’t in your job when you step inside the school walls, it’s time to evaluate your career path and make some necessary changes.
Perhaps you got into teaching for the wrong reasons, or perhaps your education career has changed so much that you don’t even recognize what drew you to it anymore. It happens.
Teaching is a unique career, so unique that it is one of the few careers people say they love doing. Do people like being accountants and sales clerks? Sure they do. But I’ve seen very few people in my life profess their love for their job more than teachers. Teachers can go on and on about their students like proud parents. They are careful grading papers and making lesson plans because they are empowered to make a difference in the life of a student. If this doesn’t sound like you, then it may be time to take a step back and reflect. What about your career is satisfying you professionally?
2. Teachers fail because they’re teaching the wrong thing.
So you knew you wanted to become a teacher, but you weren’t sure what you wanted to teach. Your teacher training program went by fast and the next thing you knew you were teaching a subject you don’t really care for or an age level you don’t seem to connect with. Don’t worry!
The good thing is you are a qualified teacher. The bad thing is you’re not utilizing your talents in the best way. Are you teaching high school and are scared to make the leap to a younger grade? Are you teaching writing but really prefer math? Make a list of what you like about your job- and more importantly- what you’re good at. Use your most recent evaluations to figure this one out, and even ask your peers.
It’s hard to imagine what having your own classroom will be like in teacher training. Once you graduate, the possibilities can be endless…unless jobs are sparse. Maybe you took a middle school job because there were no elementary positions at the time. If you’ve made the best of it, then great! If it’s time to move on, start looking.
Not sure what subject or grade would really suit you best? Then you’ve got some work to do. Visit other schools and other classrooms if you can during your prep period, lunch or even after school.
Find what you’re passionate about and which students you click with best. Success will be just around the corner.
3. Teachers fail because they aren’t prepared.
Teacher prep programs don’t always do a good job of instructing teachers on how to plan. This is one of the most important aspects of teaching. The school year is a continuum, and lessons must be planned in advance with thought and care.
What can you do to stay prepared for your lessons? Read, think, plan. Read your goals for your students. Think about how you can best accomplish them. Plan activities and opportunities for your students to learn.
Don’t try to plan every detail of every lesson a year in advance. But do think about the big picture when you plan your year. Do think about how you are building on prior knowledge. Do involve your students in planning and shaping curriculum extensions.
If you need quiet time to plan, slot a chunk of time each day or week to really focus on your lesson preparation.
Everything important in life takes solid preparation.
4. Teachers fail because they’re overwhelmed.
Do you feel overwhelmed more often than you feel in control of your class? You’re not alone. Many teachers- especially new teachers- feel this way at some point in their first few years in the classroom.
Once you feel overwhelmed, it’s how you deal with it that makes or breaks you. Take a deep breath and step back. What part of your job is stressing you out? Is it grading papers? Is it working with parents? Is it class management? You can work on each of these areas to gain more control over your career.
Once you feel overwhelmed, don’t give up. Focus on what is working and why it is working well. Try to apply your success to areas of your career that are lacking.
5. Teachers fail because they’re too scared to ask for help.
Sometimes teaching seems like an exclusive club of experts. I think the best kind of teachers are those who share their secrets of success freely. If you have a problem you can’t solve, ask for help. If you don’t feel comfortable asking another teacher in your school, ask a teacher in Teaching forum.
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