Why Teach?
According to the American Federation of Teachers, "new teachers overwhelmingly say they love what they do. They say it allows them to contribute to society and help others. And they would choose teaching again as a career, if they had the choice. If you have a genuine interest in helping children realize their dreams, and want to play a part in improving our society" then teaching might just be right for you.
Teachers are also lifelong learners, staying up-to-date in their fields. Teachers are able to be creative in their work and every day is different. Teachers not only convey information, but inspire a love a learning in their students.
"If you want to make a difference in the life of our nation, if you want to make a difference in the life of a child, become a teacher. Your country needs you."
- President Obama, 2011 State of the Union Address
Why Teach STEM?
According to theWhite House (2013) "We have many great schools, excellent teachers, and successful students in America. But there are also troubling signs that, overall, our students should be doing better in math and science.
- In the 2006 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) comparison, American students ranked 21st out of 30 in science literacy among students from developed countries, and 25th out of 30 in math literacy.
- On the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) math tests, 4th graders showed no signs of progress for the first time in many years, and 8th graders tallied only modest evidence of progress. We are not advancing as we must."
Links
Xavier’s School of Education
Teach.org - Why Teach?
NSTA (National Science Teachers Association)
ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)
NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics)
NEA (National Education Association)
NEA STEM
AFT (American Federation of Teachers)