Teaching, as a
profession, is one thing most persons will not like to delve into, especially in
this part of the world where teachers are generally seen as paupers. Consequently,
many youth (graduates in particular) have resorted to folding their arms in
wait for any opening in any of the oil companies even though they lack the
prerequisites for oil company jobs. Many of them have remained at home for
years depending on someone for assistance whereas there are many schools
looking for teachers.
Who told you
teachers are Paupers? What concrete evidence(s) do you have to backup your
claim? Well, I might be tempted to believe your assumption due to the way some
private school owners treat their staff, and the peanut they give them as
salaries. However, that is not enough reason for you to draw such a sick
conclusion.
I keep on
telling people that the difference between OYO (a roadside restaurant) and any
of the biggest eateries in town is PACKAGING. Do you know that, as a teacher, you can
earn thrice the salary of a member of staff of an oil company if you package yourself very
well? Have you bothered to find out the salary of oil company staff, or you
just sit at home with an unhealthy assumption that they are paid millions in a
month? My dear, it is high time you erased such epileptic assumption.
Any teacher
who has decided to make society believe that teachers are paupers (a term
crafted for teachers by the society) is a learner and not fit to be a teacher.
I am a teacher, so I am not talking in abstraction. As a matter of fact, I
didn't cash my May salary until the end of June. That was possible because I
didn't subject or limit my teaching prowess to a particular school. With
technological aids, I made it global, and to be frank with you, I have earned a
lot from it. You too can do it.
Aside the financial benefit, this article discusses other benefits of being a teacher. These benefits include:
1. Teaching
keeps you abreast
The truth is
that teaching keeps you up-to-date. In order to teach effectively in class,
teachers spend most of their time studying. This brings them in contact with
new "gists" on a particular topic, whether the topic has been in the scheme for
decades or not. This is because knowledge is endless, and in academics, there
is always a vacuum to fill.
2. Teaching
makes you look younger
Have you ever
wondered why teachers hardly look old? In fact, my primary 5
teacher is still as young as she was back then. The reason is simple. Teachers
are always talking, reading, moving and smiling. For me, they do the best
exercise. You will even look younger than my primary 5 teacher if you are surrounded
by very bright and hilarious students.
3. As a
teacher, you get paid for teaching yourself
Yes, you heard
me right! As a teacher, you are employed and subsequently paid to teach others, but in course of teaching, you even learn certain things from the persons you
are asked to teach. This is what I call "double benefits."
4. You have
more time for yourself and other activities.
Unlike other
professions, The teaching profession is not greedy one, as it gives you the time
to take care of yourself and also do other businesses that will give you
additional income. In my area, though some schools close at
4:00pm, schools close at 2:00pm.
Now tell me, what won't you do with the remaining time?
5. Respect
Generally
speaking, teaching is a noble profession, and anyone who delves into it is seen
as a noble. Although society has tried to belittle this profession,
"intelligent or very good teachers" still command respect in society.
The truth is that not everybody can teach. I have seen many "A"
graduates who were unable to impart on others, not because they don't
know it but because they lack the skills to teach. So, those who can teach very well are accorded respect and eulogies.
6. Your
contribution to society is unbeatable
Do you know
that as a teacher your contribution to society is unbeatable? If you don't,
please know it now. The doctors, engineers, lawyers, governors, bankers,
administrators, linguists, managers, actors and actresses, etc., are not your
match because you made them. They are able to contribute to society because of
you. This is a great feat for teachers.
Therefore, what are you waiting for? The oil company job? Well, it's your choice. A
word, they say, is enough for the wise. For me, I am proudly a teacher!
