subject: Career In Teaching Part - I [print this page] Teacher is a person whose occupation is to teach or instruct students on a subject, they have specialized knowledge in. College or university teacher who ranks above an associate professor is designated as a Professor.
Teacher exercise their intelligence, patience and wisdom to not only hone the learners intellect and aptitude but also to develop and create a wholesome personality. Teaching has an influence in developing ones mind and character and also gives the satisfaction of having sparked the light of knowledge and dispelled the clouds of ignorance.
Main reason for choosing teachers training program should ideally be due to interest in the subject, secure professional career and regular annual vacations. It can also be a second career for those who have retired from professional services.
The Job
As this field is so vast having areas of specialization, different skills and type of training are required for different levels. Areas of specialization include teaching at nursery schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges, universities, institutes, special schools etc. Each level calls for a different expertise. If you love to be with children, teaching at schools would be a good option, but if you want to be with young adults, it is better to look at the college or university level. Good teachers can bring out the best in every student. They are the ones who make a difference in the lives of their students. Rousing students from their apathy and watching their curiosity grow is one of the biggest rewards of teaching.
Primary School Teachers
Teachers specialising in 'early school education' (three to five years) work in nursery and infant schools. Those opting for the later years work in primary and middle schools. Most primary school teachers instruct one class of children in several subjects and are helped by an assistant teacher.
Teaching every subject in the curriculum
Helping children to develop their use of language and numbers and explore mathematical ideas
Introducing them to science and technology, history and geography and creative performing arts
Some special subjects like music, art, reading, science, arithmetic, or physical education is taught to many classes by the same teacher.
Teachers plan lessons, prepare tests, grade papers, prepare report cards, meet with parents, attend faculty meetings and conferences, and supervise extracurricular activities.
Secondary School Teacher
Teachers at the secondary level specialize in one or two subjects but commonly teach them to all age groups and abilities. The tasks:
Imparting subject knowledge
Monitoring attitudes and personality development of the students
Organize and supervise all co-curricular activities
Prepare test papers
Meet parents, attend conferences and faculty meetings
Suggest curriculum changes
Lecturers/College Professors
Researching and preparing for lectures and practicals
Lecturing to assist students' to interpret, analyse and develop original thought
Conducting seminars or tutorials for small groups of students
Setting and marking assignments and exams
Evaluating research, and monitoring work projects and placements.
