Welcome. You’re beginning a study of teaching, one of the most interesting, challenging, and noble professions that exists. No one has more potential for touching the personal, social, and intellectual lives of students than do caring and dedicated teachers.
You’re probably reading this book for one of two reasons; either you’ve decided that you want to be a teacher, or you’re in the process of deciding. Our purpose in writing this chapter is to provide some information that will shed additional light on that decision, as we try to answer the following questions:
- Why do people decide to teach?
- What are some of the rewards in teaching?
- What are some of the difficulties in teaching?
- Is teaching a profession?
- How will educational reforms affect your life as a teacher?
