To honor our educators, we are going to highlight some of the hardest working people we know: our teachers! There are many benefits to choosing a career in education—summers off, spring breaks, job security through tenure. But being an effective teacher and really making a difference in students’ lives is a lot harder than it looks!

Think back to your first day of school. Faced with a new group of students and a new set of challenges, you probably have felt vulnerable and anxious. When you recall your favorite teacher, you probably think about someone who believed in your abilities and pushed you to achieve. Maybe you remember the coach whose drills and pep talks allowed you to surpass your imagined physical capacity. Or maybe you recall a band teacher who encouraged you to apply for that college scholarship. These teachers have made and continue to make a difference in our lives. Now it is your turn to make a difference.

What better way to pay homage to your favorite teacher than to join the ranks of the hard-working teaching professionals? A degree in education can open up a world of career opportunities for you. For instance, you could become a teacher, an administrator, or a guidance counselor.

If you’ve ever been around children, you know how quickly they mature and grow! Since children are constantly changing and learning, effective teachers will be able to give them the tools and guidance that they need to progress into adulthood. After all, teaching is much more than providing instruction on reading, writing, and arithmetic! Teachers help to resolve problems, encourage the strengths of their students, and give them the confidence that they need to become independent thinkers.

The key to being a really great teacher is being able to recognize that each student is different. Each student has a unique approach to learning and a different maturity level, which means that teachers need to be able to accommodate all sorts of needs beyond academia! Sure, the job can sometimes be challenging, but those special teachers have the potential to make a huge difference in their students’ lives.

So, what exactly makes a good teacher? The most popular teachers tend to be the individuals who are sensitive to special needs, are able to make the dullest subject entertaining, and set a good example. Finally, a good teacher should be able to inspire their students to grow, learn, and reach their potential!

If you’re considering a career in education, remember that teaching is much more than just a “job”. There is a huge demand for effective teachers these days, especially with President Obama’s new education initiatives. You can turn your passion for children into a successful and rewarding career by making it your goal to be the best teacher you can be!