What’s the best thing about teaching?

The 20 Most Surprising, All-Around Best Things About Teaching

What are the best things about teaching? Here’s what the WeAreTeachers community has to say.

Elizabeth Mulvahill on January 4, 2017

Best Things About Teaching

What is it about this crazy, demanding, exhausting job that keeps us motivated and forever digging deeper to make an impact?

We asked our amazing group of teachers on Facebook to fill in the blank: The best thing about being a teacher is______. and the answers came pouring in! Enjoy the best of these sincere, heartfelt, and inspiring answers!

1.

down-time

2.

“Knowing that you can’t change the world for them, so you set about trying to equip them for what it has in store for them. And sometimes, they want to give you the time of day when they have left you. They still want you to watch over them.”—Claire A.

3.

“I love showing students that learning can be fun and they can trust me. Nothing beats the feeling of having a “difficult” student work hard for you and want to come to school because of you!” —Sandra D.

4.

“The best thing about being a teacher is the fact that I can have a positive impact on how a student identifies. By constantly reinforcing and recognizing their efforts to learn, they will identify as learners.” —Sheila K.

5.

“The satisfaction you get from being able to educate your students to see them make something of themselves. That, and the fond memories you build alongside your colleagues.” —Ismael P.

6.

honor

7.

“Knowing that even though what you chose to do may not bring great monetary riches, what’s better than seeing a child proud of him or herself?” —Patricia G.

8.

“When the class breaks out in spontaneous laughter together. It feels like family.” —Mei-Ling U.

9.

“Recess! It’s when they really open up and you get to know them!” —Chelle N.

10.

“Knowing you must be doing something right when they are always excited to see you.” —Rebecca C.

11.

“Building relationships with my kids and watching them learn and grow as great little people. They make me laugh every day.” —Lori K.

12.

family

13.

“Being someone’s best part of their day. Where they are safe and loved.” —Leigh I.

14.

“Going to work every day and experiencing something new.” —Dianne E. 

15.

“The kids of course! Their laughter, smiles, that moment when they learn something new, their hugs.” —Je H.

16.

“A fresh start for students as well as myself every year.” —Suzanne B.

17.

aha

18.

“The best part of being a teacher is the positive impact, sharing memories, laughing together.” —Alma E.

19.

“Hearing the children laugh, watching the children learn and seeing them smile because they are having fun.” —Megan B.

20.

“New beginnings and never-ending learning (both students and teacher).” —Jan B.

What would you add to the list?