Because our nation is experiencing a shortage of qualified teachers, students often consider pursuing teaching for a year or two before graduate study in another field or pursuing some other long-term career goal. While considering devoting your time to a community and a school for a few years is admirable, these plans are often criticized by professional educators. No matter how strong your will, it is not enough.
Experienced teachers understand intimately how hard teaching really is.
It is challenging, perhaps impossible, to appreciate the daily life of a teacher unless you have experienced it first-hand. New teachers, even those who have master's degrees and certification have a difficult first few years. Most experienced teachers feel it takes 2-3 years for a new teacher to be comfortable enough in their role to begin reaching their potential, tackling new ideas and ensuring that students are really learning. Given this landscape, educators fear that people interested in teaching only for a year or two are less likely to really make a difference in the academic achievement of their students. Another reason that a short-term commitment to teaching comes under scrutiny is the issue of professionalism.