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Ah this must be tough. I lucked out and my parents are both teachers. Maybe try asking them about a teacher they loved learning from when they were a kid and explain that you want to be that for someone else?
Just tell them why, period. We're teachers, not alien lifeforms. We speak the same language. I don't know why you became a teacher, so I can't tell you what to say. You explain unknown concepts to children for a living. Differentiate. Adapt. Scaffold. Figure it out.
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You don't have to explain anything. It's your life.
If you love your job, it will show in the way you do it and talk about it.
Your parents love you. They'll get it eventually.
Agree, and when you do talk about it, make sure there are positives and not just about the ‘grind’. There are so many positives- a child’s hug, a struggling student starting to figure things out, peers that become e friends/family, etc.
My family has many teachers- paternal grandmother, mom, sister, husband, sister-in-law, cousin, and others. Family gatherings have lots of education discussions- good, frustrating, hilarious student antics, etc. . great support
Think about what they value about their jobs. Try to frame it so they can understand your rationale.
I had the same problem until I framed it in a way that made parallels to my previous military service.
Now they get it.
I am the only one in my family. I don’t really talk about teaching with anyone except my friends- who are all teachers! I gave up trying to get my family to understand or respect what I do. I don’t know any non-educators who are understanding or supportive. But that is fine. My teacher besties are very supportive!
You don’t know why? Tell them that
Married into a family with so many teachers!! My husband isn’t one but basically the rest are it’s kind of wild!
No but my family is more education oriented
Truth is they might never understand ☹️ I guess you could say it’s a calling or you’re drawn to it like they are with their professions but that’s about all I can think of.
I am a 4th generation teacher. My wife is a teacher, and our 23 year old daughter is starting her 2nd year as an elementary teacher. Starting my 28th year at the same small rural district and still love teaching. Yes, there is a lot of outside noise, but the classroom, kids, and subjects are worth it!!!
Good Luck!!
Sounds like you are a small districts dream. If only your teacher factory would make a few more!
My parents were teachers, sister, brother, brother in law, and nephew all teachers! 😲
We're not really THAT underpaid if you can make it to retirement. We always get raises, and if you do better, you get recognition. But any parent, in my opinion, should respect that you do what you love.
Pro
@Shawn- I look at it this way, a teachers job is teaching the next generation. We’re dealing with more than just academics. I strongly believe that education is freedom, and that our country should invest a hell of a lot more money in education than they are. That includes smaller class sizes, the works, including teacher pay. When so many districts are in the red for subs, paraprofessionals/behavioral aids, and teachers….hello? Can you 👂 us out there in the universe! 📣