Discuss what teachers report as the most exciting aspects and the most difficult challenges of their work. At this point, what do you anticipate as an exciting part of your future profession? What do you feel will be the biggest challenge for you?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

ANS: Exciting aspects include 1) meeting new students every year, or even every day; 2) the variety of the teaching demands on a daily basis; 3) trying different approaches; 4) successfully reaching different learners; 5) being in the “flow,” with time passing rapidly; and 6) learning things themselves. Challenges include 1) staying focused on what is best for students when there are constant distractions; 2) interactions with lower-performing peers, perhaps those who have burnout; 3) low pay; 4) paperwork and other administrative tasks; 5) dealing with parents who see the teacher as an adversary; 6) navigating relationships with administrators; 7) pressure exerted by standardized testing and curriculum; and 8) preparation of material that will engage students in meaningful experiences. Answers to the last part will vary.