by R. Michael Straight

Created on: May 03, 2008

So you want to be a teacher? Fantastic. In the next few paragraphs I will attempt to outline some history, expectations, suggestions, and little-known facts as you embark into this amazing, lucrative and much-appreciated field!

For thousands of years, teachers have been held in high esteem in nearly every society. Frequently, they can be seen sitting next to kings and emperors in portraits, held equally as important as court doctors, astrologists, and even, in some cases, fishmongers! Throughout medieval England teachers were awarded with dukedoms and lordships nearly every day. Ancient China saw teachers as descendants of the gods themselves, which explains why artists' visions of Chinese teachers nearly always depict them as green and scaly, to emphasize their connection with celestial dragons. Some African folklore tells of teachers who instructed the sun and moon to move through the sky and the birds to swim and the fish to fly. Some translators, however, argue that this is incorrect. Yes, teachers have been universally loved throughout time.

Being a teacher in the 21st century is no easy task. Yes, it is a sure-fire road to fortune and fame, but the road is long and hard! Most teachers can expect to spend up to two years in higher education, spending hundreds of tens of dollars to achieve their goal of that oft-sought "license." Most licenses are printed on gold leaf paper and hermetically sealed. Few non-teachers have ever seen a license in person, so there is an abundance of mythology. Some frequent misconceptions include: the idea that owning a license actually proves one's ability to teach well, that the license is deserved, and that a license is even needed to be an effective teacher. You will most likely find, however, that the state you live in does require you to own one of these licenses before you can teach in a public school. Privates schools are another matter. They'll take just about anybody (which has led to private schools falling badly behind public schools in terms of educational quality).

If you think you still want to become a teacher and brave the gauntlet that is licensure-attainment, you must be willing to make some sacrifices.

First, most states have very strict guidelines regarding a teacher's appearance and personality. Teachers must maintain a height-to-weight ratio, as outlined in the government pamphlet, "Teaching: A Full Body Workout - How to get YOUR body in shape to teach!" It is very important to practice proper weight-training

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