Teachers leave an indelible mark on the lives of their students. They prepare them for adulthood by training them to make decisions, think critically, and process information. Teachers can ignite the curiosity of their students and encourage them to develop empathy for others. In other words, teachers are irreplaceable and endlessly important. However, the job asks a lot of educators. So, it’s important that prospective teachers are sure that this career path is the right one for them before stepping into the field. So, if you’ve ever wondered, “Should I be a teacher?”, read on. Here are five signs that the job might be right for you.

You Want to Make a Difference

The average teacher touches the lives of over 3,000 students over the course of their career. Teachers have a huge impact on their students’ lifelong achievement. Though it may sound like a cliche, teachers really are responsible for inspiring the next generation. A 2015 study found that teachers can make a difference in the development of their students’ social and emotional intelligence. This can correlate with lifetime financial success as well as long-term health and overall happiness. Students who are taught by skilled teachers are also more likely to succeed academically and pursue higher education. With this in mind, teaching is a wonderful career for those who are adamant about supporting future generations and making a difference.

You’re Flexible

If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that flexibility is a virtue. This has been especially true for teachers who have had to learn how to teach online, in the classroom, and in hybrid-settings for the last two years. A teacher’s ability to be nimble and quick to adapt ensures that their students can continue to learn, even under the most stressful of circumstances. Of course, even without the pressure of a global pandemic, teachers should be able to “go with the flow” as much as possible. Not all students learn at the same pace or in the same ways. The best teachers are able to meet their students where they are. Students may need extensions on their project deadlines, or need more time to grasp an important concept. The most important thing is that your students learn, regardless of the pace at which they do it. So, keeping a flexible mindset is the hallmark of a great teacher.

You’re a Life-Long Learner

The best teachers are those who retain a curiosity about the world. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys learning, gains satisfaction from obtaining new knowledge, and consistently seeks out opportunities to grow, then becoming a teacher may be a wonderful choice. Teachers in Connecticut are required to eventually earn a master’s degree and to pursue continuing education credits in order to maintain teacher certification. Therefore, it’s key that you’re open to being a life-long learner.

You’re Organized

Though flexibility is a necessary personality trait for any teacher, so is organization. Each school day will be divided into distinct class periods, which will require you to have clear lesson plans in place. You’ll also need to have a well-developed plan established for grading student work, documenting grades, and submitting scores efficiently. In the classroom, students will need you to be so well organized that you act as their manager, as well as your own.

You Desire a Fulfilling and Rewarding Career

It’s an unfortunate but well-acknowledged fact that many teachers are paid less than they should be. Teachers in Connecticut, however, are paid a salary that’s well above the national average. In fact, Connecticut has the fifth highest teacher salary average in the nation, and these figures are fast-growing. However, if you are considering becoming a teacher, it’s likely not the compensation that’s driving you. If you derive a sense of fulfillment from working with children, making a difference, problem-solving, and tracking your students’ progress, then that is a tell-tale sign you should become a teacher. This is a highly rewarding profession, that comes with great satisfaction and fulfillment. It’s also important to note that, although the pay may not be overly generous, many school districts offer their teachers additional benefits such as tuition reimbursement for continuing education, retirement and pension, and health insurance. In Connecticut, teachers are also supported by their community through mortgage assistance programs.

Teaching is a noble profession, ideal for those who want to make a difference in the lives of children and in their community. However, becoming a teacher isn’t for everyone. However, if you identify with these five points, you might just have what it takes to become a teacher!

Interested in becoming a teacher in Connecticut? Learn how, here!