Becoming a Teacher

Abstract

How does one become a teacher? Some may argue that one is born to teach; indeed many of the teacher candidates that I have met over the years are quick to tell me that they have dreamed of becoming teachers ever since they were small children. A few candidates have even described moments in their childhood when they “played school” with friends, family, or perhaps stuffed toys. Other candidates have mentioned a critical moment later in life when they realized teaching is a career they would like to pursue. Perhaps they enjoy explaining their subject matter to others. Perhaps they had a meaningful experience as a camp counsellor that cemented an interest in working with young people. Perhaps, like me, they had an experience in secondary school as a teaching assistant for younger students, and decided that they would like to be the one at the front of the classroom.