About this eBook

The purpose of this book is to help students and career changers
get a taste of what it's really like to be an elem entary school
teacher. We set out to do so by inviting elementary teachers
actively doing their wor k in classrooms across the country to tell
us about their experiences. Dozens of teachers generously
TEACHER
shared their wisdom and guidance. The result of this work -
which we call "Career Stories"- reveals the rewards, challenges,
INSIGHT
frustrations, and the do's and the don'ts of being a teacher in
today's world.
“I tie sneakers, zip coats,
We‘ve included 25
representative Career Stories in this eBook,
but you can find
many more elementary school teacher
wipe tears, and plan
career stories on our web site
.
classroom celebrations. I
Career Story Elements
listen to struggling readers
and guide beginning
Each Career Story is in the original voice of an elementary
school teacher and is composed of several parts:
writers. I help children
Description of and insights into each teacher's job
understand that there is a
Tips for prospective teachers
big difference between 14
The best and worst parts of being a teacher
The teacher's educational preparation
and 41. I read stories and
The teacher's previous experience
Additional thoughts on being and becoming a teacher