5 Myths about Teachers

While every profession has its myths and misunderstandings, it seems that teaching is subject to more than most others. From G.B. Shaw’s assumption that, “Those who can, do. Those who cannot, teach,” to the stereotype that teachers must not work hard because they’re done by 3:00pm and get summers off, teachers have an uphill battle when it comes to defending their career choice. Many might wonder why anyone would choose to go back to school for teaching and have any interest in the latest learning theories in the classroom. It’s time to set straight some of the more destructive myths:

Myth 1: Teaching is not actually doing

How can an artist become an artist without an excellent teacher to guide his progress? Are physicians and CEOs self-taught? Of course not. The most successful professionals would not be where they are without the guidance and knowledge of teachers – individuals who know their subject matter and can skillfully share it with their students. Teaching is doing, and it is critical that we acknowledge the importance and value of doing it.

Myth 2: Teaching should exclude the teacher’s personality

In today’s climate of meeting content standards and preparing students for standardized testing, it can be difficult for a teacher to feel like he can still be himself in the classroom. However, only when a teacher is being true to herself and allowing her real personality to guide her teaching methods can true learning happen. Teaching needs to include the teacher’s personality or everyone will end up being cheated.

Myth 3: The popular teacher is a bad teacher

Often the most popular teachers get a bad reputation. There is an assumption out there that in order to be popular, a teacher must pander to the lowest instincts of the students. This is usually not the case; more often than not, teachers are popular because they sincerely care about their students and create lessons that are interesting, challenging and engaging.

Myth 4: Teachers are born, not made

Everything we do is a product of both nature and nurture. Sure, there are those who were “born to teach,” but that’s only part of the equation. Excellent teachers are excellent because they have studied their craft extensively and made a commitment to stay at the top of their profession through ongoing professional development and continued interest in their students and subject matter.

Myth 5: Teaching a subject only requires knowing the subject well

Knowing one’s subject is but a small part of being a good teacher. Someone may know more about astronomy than anyone in their field, but without the motivation, classroom learning theories and the technological know-how to present the material effectively, their instructional approach will suffer.

With a Master’s Degree in Teaching, you can have the knowledge and be a driving force in helping to dispel some of these damaging teaching myths. If you’ve become complacent in your work or feel the need to go back to school for teaching, you will soon see, remember and understand why teaching is one the most important professions of all.