education today: what no one told me

Entering the classroom for the first time can be exciting, challenging and maybe a little frightening. Retired military people who choose teaching as a second career bring with them a unique perspective. Their experiences may be a little different from teachers who have come to the classroom directly from college. Former military personnel who are now teachers have met in focus groups to talk about their first year of teaching. Here is what they said. . .

WHAT NO ONE TOLD ME…

“Students won’t behave like soldiers. They may be unmotivated and won’t necessarily do what you tell them.”

“You may have to tone down your military style. You may be too loud and your language may need to be cleaned up.”

“You are used to a high standard of professionalism and discipline and your colleagues may not have the same standards. Also, you may initially feel like an outsider.”

“The paperwork can be overwhelming. Try to remember that the paperwork is not what is important.”

“Going to school to complete my certification was hard and took a lot of time away from my family.”

“Parents will be an important part of what happens in your classroom. You have to learn to work with them.”

“My military training would be so helpful when it came to classroom management.”

“I would start out my retirement with plans to spend my time fishing and seven years later I would be named Teacher of the Year.”

“Teaching is the most rewarding thing I have done with my life.”