Profession Can Be Such a Dirty Word
December 3, 2004
In our class discussion today about whether or not teaching is a profession, I was pretty adamant that the title of teacher and professional go hand-in-hand. My belief that teaching is a profession is founded on many functionalist principles.
First off, I had to endure five years of university training that will end up putting me $40,000 in debt by the time I am looking for a full-time job. Even though it may sound arrogant, I’m going to display my degrees in my house, and sign my name with those cool initials. Basically, I want recognition for my hard work. With the above comment, it is extremely apparent that I am the kind of person who considers teaching to be a part of my identity. I can’t wait to write teacher on all those forms that ask for your occupation. As well, some of the most influential people in my life were teachers, and I want to make a difference in the life of a child. I’ve always had this innate desire to help people, and I can’t see any better way to make an impact than by targeting the future of our society. All these kids need is someone to believe in their capabilities. As someone with a disability, I know I can serve as an inspiration, and will work extra hard to ensure all my students have the opportunity to succeed. I see myself as providing an altruistic service; I’m here to help people.
After reading the above response, I came upon a very harsh realization. In the end, the title “professional” carries three main benefits: money, status, and control. In all honesty, if someone were to ask me “Why did you become a teacher?” my response would not include any of those benefits mentioned above. I mean let’s face it! The salaries of a teacher are not something to brag about, most teachers fail to get public recognition for their accomplishments, and even if a teacher gets to take holidays all the time, teaching is a full-time job whether you are in the school or not.
Ultimately, I decided to enter the teaching profession because I firmly believe one of the greatest gifts you can give a child is a solid education. Just being able to say I contributed to that special gift makes me happy, and happiness should be everyone’s guiding light when faced with choosing a career.
This made me realize I don’t care whether teaching is a profession or not; I would still be striving towards this goal. Money, status and control don’t buy happiness; at least not for me. I've realized my true opinion of professionalism is that it breeds corruption. I was not proud of the type of person being conveyed at the beginning of this entry.
Thanks Robert for such a great class! It provoked so much thought, that I finally realized I was basing my belief of whether teaching was a profession on things that matter to society and not on what matters to me. I’ve always liked to think I’m my own person, but sometimes society just has a way of brainwashing you………..it’s kind of scary!!!!
In our class discussion today about whether or not teaching is a profession, I was pretty adamant that the title of teacher and professional go hand-in-hand. My belief that teaching is a profession is founded on many functionalist principles.
First off, I had to endure five years of university training that will end up putting me $40,000 in debt by the time I am looking for a full-time job. Even though it may sound arrogant, I’m going to display my degrees in my house, and sign my name with those cool initials. Basically, I want recognition for my hard work. With the above comment, it is extremely apparent that I am the kind of person who considers teaching to be a part of my identity. I can’t wait to write teacher on all those forms that ask for your occupation. As well, some of the most influential people in my life were teachers, and I want to make a difference in the life of a child. I’ve always had this innate desire to help people, and I can’t see any better way to make an impact than by targeting the future of our society. All these kids need is someone to believe in their capabilities. As someone with a disability, I know I can serve as an inspiration, and will work extra hard to ensure all my students have the opportunity to succeed. I see myself as providing an altruistic service; I’m here to help people.
After reading the above response, I came upon a very harsh realization. In the end, the title “professional” carries three main benefits: money, status, and control. In all honesty, if someone were to ask me “Why did you become a teacher?” my response would not include any of those benefits mentioned above. I mean let’s face it! The salaries of a teacher are not something to brag about, most teachers fail to get public recognition for their accomplishments, and even if a teacher gets to take holidays all the time, teaching is a full-time job whether you are in the school or not.
Ultimately, I decided to enter the teaching profession because I firmly believe one of the greatest gifts you can give a child is a solid education. Just being able to say I contributed to that special gift makes me happy, and happiness should be everyone’s guiding light when faced with choosing a career.
This made me realize I don’t care whether teaching is a profession or not; I would still be striving towards this goal. Money, status and control don’t buy happiness; at least not for me. I've realized my true opinion of professionalism is that it breeds corruption. I was not proud of the type of person being conveyed at the beginning of this entry.
Thanks Robert for such a great class! It provoked so much thought, that I finally realized I was basing my belief of whether teaching was a profession on things that matter to society and not on what matters to me. I’ve always liked to think I’m my own person, but sometimes society just has a way of brainwashing you………..it’s kind of scary!!!!
posted by Chantelle @ 7:32 PM
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