4 reasons why being a teacher is super awesome

You will find being an educator is one of the most stable professions in South Africa. (Shutterstock)

While there’s no doubt that teachers are instrumental to your development, being a teacher comes with some (selfish) rewards.

We all need teachers. We’ve all been taught by teachers. Everyone we know has had a teacher. We have ones we love, ones who have changed our lives, inspired us and pretty much influenced our career path.

Also, if it wasn’t for them, you wouldn’t have been able to read these words at all. You wouldn’t have been able to do quick maths sums when considering purchases or repaying your debts, and you'd struggle to pursue your dream career. There’s no doubt that teachers are instrumental to your development.

And luckily being a teacher comes with a heap of rewards – 4 of which are discussed below.

Be warned: These reasons are so awesome, you’re going to want to enrol as an education student immediately after reading through this list!

1. You’ll earn a fixed salary – guaranteed

Because you’re employed by the government, more specifically your provincial Department of Education, you’ll never have to worry about skipping a pay cheque due to a ‘bad month’ or any other kind of company financial crisis.

Also, the government provides options so that you may subsidise your mortgage loan, medical aid costs, and your pension is covered too.

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As an added bonus you actually receive a monetary bonus, or more accurately, a 13th cheque. Every year, on the 15th of the month of your choice, you’ll receive double your pay. This comes in quite handy if you need to cover your debts, buy Christmas presents, or take a family vacation.

2. You’ll never struggle to find work – ever

As an teacher, there are always job vacancies. Whether locally or internationally (for example in Kuwait, Saudia Arabia, or China) vacancies are readily available every month of the year, possibly in every area you'd like to relocate to. Even if you’re only interested in finding something contractual, you can apply as a substitute teacher and still receive a full salary (but you'll miss out on the deductions afforded to permanent staff). Many qualified teachers start or return to the profession at a later age, after other private employment avenues have failed.

And even if you do stay at the same school for years, every single year will still be different. Unlike your friends who do the same thing every day for years (until they are smart enough to switch to education), you'll have a new class with different learners every year: A new teaching dynamic, new teaching methods, different challenges, a new way of experiencing joy, and you’ll have new cute stories to tell your friends about the naughty and clever kids who are lucky enough to learn (all kinds of) lessons from you.

3. An amazing work life balance

Your working hours are dictated by your school. On average, learners are in school until 3pm (sometimes earlier on a Friday), and educators leave only a little later after that. This means when your kids get home from school (and weekends of course), you'll be home too - affording you more precious minutes than if you were an average 9-5er.

Let’s not forget that all public holidays and every school holiday are paid leave days for you too. In other words, after every term every year, you share the holidays with your kids. Whether you're a parent or not, you’ll have more time to pursue your hobbies. Even on days such as Valentine’s Day, Spring Day, and at least one Fundraising Day a year, the normal school day turns into a free-periods-all-day filled with talent shows, bake sales, or games.

If you’re involved in school activities, you’ll get paid to go on sports and athletics tours, the annual Prefect Camp as well other excursions (the aquarium, zoo, planetarium, etc.). And if you’re really passionate about one of these extra-curricular activities (of which the list is endless), you have opportunities to join provincial and national bodies as a coach or manager and travel to the National or International School Sports Championships every year.

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4. You will always be remembered

As mentioned at the top, teachers have the ability to influence children, pre-teens, and young adults in a way that few people ever are able to. Often, your encouragement and character can change someone's life forever. The life lesson that are taught in addition to the syllabus and other planned curriculum, may even have a ripple effect as your message can spread from learner to friend to parent to future generations.

Sheila remembers that her accounting teacher, Miss Zass, sacrificed personal time through after-hours classes, explaining complicated formulas to the point where Sheila finally understood. But what she appreciates even more, was the personal and special attention she received from this exhausted teacher. After a day of classes filled with 50+ kids who don’t sit still, don’t concentrate, don’t complete homework, and have an ‘I’m-naughtier-than-you competition, her teacher always persevered. With her CA(SA) finally completed, Sheila sends Christmas cards to her accounting teacher every year, and practices the same dedication, perseverance and kindness that Miss Zass once taught her.

You don’t need to be the Queen of England, Oprah Winfrey or a Kardashian to make a difference and change lives.