Text 3
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The Teaching Profession
Some people believe that the profession of teaching is fraught with difficulties these days. Of course, it’s true that teaching – especially in state high schools – can present challenges even to the most experienced of teachers. Many teachers agree that perhaps the most serious problem is that of disruptive or violent teenagers. These students can make it very difficult to establish a good learning environment. Not only are they exceptionally difficult to teach, but they also can threaten other students or make them feel uncomfortable.
Funding might also be a problem. Since state high schools receive money from the government for their support, the purchase of resources such as books, equipment, and facilities depends on this financial assistance. If the national or state economy experiences a downturn, this can have a negative effect on the money available to help schools, and some educational institutions may face the agonizing decision of having to discontinue certain classes or programs simply because there isn’t enough money available. Because of these and other demands, some teachers have changed careers after deciding that the demands of the educational system and state bureaucracy have made their work too stressful.
However, dedicated teachers agree that teaching can be highly rewarding. Helping students gain new knowledge certainly empowers them and helps them to improve their lives. Teachers to whom I have spoken describe the joy teaching brings them, especially when a student has grasped a difficult concept or idea after a period of struggling or misapprehension. Of course, teachers also receive intellectual stimulation from their work. Many teachers believe that they learn new things themselves as they prepare their lessons and teach their classes.