5 Reasons Why Teachers Fail
5 Reasons Why Teachers Fail
5 Reasons Why Teachers Fail
Failure is a part of life. It’s what makes us learn and eventually succeed. Sometimes it’s our fault
that we fail, and other times, we’re not given the tools we need to succeed. Failure isn’t the worst
thing that can happen to us in our lives. It can make us stronger and more prepared to face what
lies ahead. These five reasons are some of the biggest reasons that teachers fail. Even if you feel
like a failure now, there’s still hope. Realizing your failures is more than half the battle to finding
your way to success.
Teaching isn’t the perfect career for everyone, and that’s okay. We were all given unique talents,
but sometimes figuring out how and where to use those talents can be tricky. You may have
originally thought you were destined and talented as a teacher. However, if you know that your
heart isn’t in your job when you step inside the school walls, it’s time to evaluate your career
path and make some necessary changes.
Perhaps you got into teaching for the wrong reasons, or perhaps your education career has
changed so much that you don’t even recognize what drew you to it anymore. It happens.
Teaching is a unique career, so unique that it is one of the few careers people say they love
doing. Do people like being accountants and sales clerks? Sure they do. But I’ve seen very few
people in my life profess their love for their job more than teachers. Teachers can go on and on
about their students like proud parents. They are careful grading papers and making lesson plans
because they are empowered to make a difference in the life of a student. If this doesn’t sound
like you, then it may be time to take a step back and reflect. What about your career is satisfying
you professionally?
So you knew you wanted to become a teacher, but you weren’t sure what you wanted to teach.
Your teacher training program went by fast and the next thing you knew you were teaching a
subject you don’t really care for or an age level you don’t seem to connect with. Don’t worry!
The good thing is you are a qualified teacher. The bad thing is you’re not utilizing your talents in
the best way. Are you teaching high school and are scared to make the leap to a younger grade?
Are you teaching writing but really prefer math? Make a list of what you like about your job- and
more importantly- what you’re good at. Use your most recent evaluations to figure this one out,
and even ask your peers.
It’s hard to imagine what having your own classroom will be like in teacher training. Once you
graduate, the possibilities can be endless…unless jobs are sparse. Maybe you took a middle
school job because there were no elementary positions at the time. If you’ve made the best of it,
then great! If it’s time to move on, start looking.
Not sure what subject or grade would really suit you best? Then you’ve got some work to do.
Visit other schools and other classrooms if you can during your prep period, lunch or even after
school.
Find what you’re passionate about and which students you click with best. Success will be just
around the corner.
Teacher prep programs don’t always do a good job of instructing teachers on how to plan. This is
one of the most important aspects of teaching. The school year is a continuum, and lessons must
be planned in advance with thought and care.
What can you do to stay prepared for your lessons? Read, think, plan. Read your goals for your
students. Think about how you can best accomplish them. Plan activities and opportunities for
your students to learn.
Don’t try to plan every detail of every lesson a year in advance. But do think about the big
picture when you plan your year. Do think about how you are building on prior knowledge. Do
involve your students in planning and shaping curriculum extensions.
If you need quiet time to plan, slot a chunk of time each day or week to really focus on your
lesson preparation.
Do you feel overwhelmed more often than you feel in control of your class? You’re not alone.
Many teachers- especially new teachers- feel this way at some point in their first few years in the
classroom.
Once you feel overwhelmed, it’s how you deal with it that makes or breaks you. Take a deep
breath and step back. What part of your job is stressing you out? Is it grading papers? Is it
working with parents? Is itclass management? You can work on each of these areas to gain more
control over your career.
Once you feel overwhelmed, don’t give up. Focus on what is working and why it is working
well. Try to apply your success to areas of your career that are lacking.
Do you need to ask for supplies? If you haven’t asked for the help of your local merchants, you
can post your request on a site like Donors Choose.