Many of us have had the dream of teaching ever since we can remember.  Other are considering it and love some of the upsides to the career.  Although some of the upsides sound like a dream job, is teaching really for you?  Before going to school to persue a career in teaching ask yourself these questions first:

• Do I love kids?  When being a teacher you’re only going to work with people that are younger than you are unless you decide to be a college professor.  Do you like and get along with children well?  This is important, if not you will see yourself only getting frustrated.
• Is the pay in my range?  Is the pay going to support you and possibly a family?  Ask yourself this question and take some time on it, it is very important.
• Are you willing to go back to school?  So you went through pre-school, kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school, and college.  Are you ready to go back again for the rest of your career?
• Are you considering teaching because of the time off?  Teachers get the best times of the year off.  They get holidays, weekends and all summer!  What gets better than that?  Just make sure you’re not just doing teaching because you’re guaranteed these great benefits.
• Do you mind taking your work home?  You just got off of work and are leaving the school.  You return home and now you have papers to grade.  Are you okay with this?  Many people just want to leave their work at work.  Keep this in mind, this will take up even more time in your day.
• Do you have patience?  When being a teacher patience is needed.  If a child doesn’t get something the first time are you able to keep teaching until they understand it?  You need patience and a good attitude.  They are counting on you to learn the material. 

Being a teacher is a great job.  If you ask teachers about their work they are usually smiling and pleased with teaching.  Make sure you have the same response when someone asks you!  Choose what is right for you, and something that is interesting to you as well.