Kaitlyn Piston

“Why I Want to Be a Teacher” Essay

Teaching. Google defines teaching as the following: “Ideas or principles taught by an

authority.” Google also defines teaching as “the occupation, profession, or work of a teacher.”
While these definitions are true, I do not believe they do the profession justice. Teaching is more
than what Google describes. Teaching is more than just an occupation. Teaching entails shaping
the future and that comes from more than just a lesson plan.

As students grow up, there is one question that is constantly posed to us: “What do you
want to be when you’re older?” While the majority of students are unsure of how to answer this
question, I was always quick to say, “Teach.” My answer as to why I want to teach was always
“because I love kids,” but my “why” is actually much more complex than that. Teaching is more
than just having a love for kids.

As a result of being a senior, I have had numerous teachers. Some of these teachers have
paved the way for me, encouraging my dream to educate, while others have done the opposite. I
have seen and have heard the positives and negatives of a career in teaching, but these are a part
of every career. The silver lining of teaching is simply that there are more positives in the career
than negatives.

I want to be a teacher because of the impact I can make. I want to be a teacher not to
lecture, but to be creative. I want to be a teacher not to discipline, but to guide. I want to be a
teacher because I hope to impact students the way many of my teachers have impacted me.

Throughout my twelve years of hardwork in the classroom, I encountered experiences I

never thought I would have and my teachers made this possible. I was introduced to volleyball
by my third grade teacher and have been playing ever since; I will continue to play for my
college team. In middle school, I was asked to join SCA where I found my gift of public
speaking. Last, but definitely not least, in my high school Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow class,
I created, organized, and directed the first ever special education leadership workshop for
Virginia Beach City Public High Schools where I solidified my dream to work with special
education students after I graduate from college.

Being a teacher isn’t waking up early and going to school every day because you ​have to​,
but you teach because you ​want to​. Good teachers will only teach you curriculum, but great
teachers will teach you how to be the best person you can be. Teaching isn’t just educating. It is
forming relationships, leading, and inspiring future generations. I want to be a teacher because I
want to impact students the way my teachers impacted me.