The essential item needed in an educator is an unrelenting passion for the people he or she will be serving. If those people are first graders, then the educator better be ready to love them, give the best of themselves to their students, and truly care about their future, wanting the best for each and every one of them. If you don't fit this description, then you may want to think about passing up a degree in elementary education right now.

Once you have your mind set on the people you desire to serve and are passionate about their needs, then you must keep in mind that statistically, teacher retention primarily in the first five years of actual teaching is low. In other words, once you become an educator, your chances of remaining one for the rest of your life are lower than MANY other fields you could go into.

If your passion is intact and you're willing to take the risk that you may want to completely switch careers in five years or less, then place yourself in as many classroom situations as possible with your chosen grade/age level. You must receive as much experience as possible before you step out into the role of full-fledged, full-time, independent teacher.

Believe me. I've been there and am currently going through my second year of teaching high school social studies and English. I learned too late what I was passionate about, but thankfully this past year has taught me exactly that. What could be better than to do what you love to do?

Is seeing a third grader's face light up when he finally understands the concept of multiplication what you want to give your life for? If so, get an education degree and teach third grade!

Are you one of those special people who can love and accept a group of seventh graders, despite their attitude and raging hormones? If so, get an education degree and teach seventh grade!

Do you want to be that high school teacher who believes that ANYONE can change, and inspires that change in her students? If so, get an education degree and teach high school!

Are you thrilled when adults continue to engage in the learning process, and do you want to help them reach new heights in their education? If so, get an education or a more specific degree, go get your master's degree, and become a college professor!

What are you passionate about? Is it seeing people learn things they didn't know before? What if that doesn't happen when you teach? Will you still be able to persevere when you are unable to see your impact? You must remember, it can take YEARS before the true impact of an educator is unveiled!

As you make your decision, just remember the words of Henry Adams, "A teacher affects eternity; no one can tell where his influence stops." Are you ready to affect eternity? Will your influence be a good one?

Learn more about this author, Lara Rhyne.
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