Teaching is a taxing job that requires long hours and hard work. Many people learn in different ways, so teachers must work with different learning styles, personalities, and plenty of attitudes to help make the world a better place and ensure no student is left behind. For Advanced English I teacher Amy Markan, the chance to make a difference makes it all worth it.
Like most people going into a specific career Markan had a dream. Her passion and determination, as well as her teachers, inspired her own journey into the world of education. Markan’s desire to go into teaching came from her desire to make a difference.
“I remember my English teacher changing my life. My sixth grade English teacher, Mr. Layman used to come in and he would have silly jokes, he would have conversations with us,” said Markan. “I remember my 10th and 11th grade teachers, they would have these life changing conversations with us, and it was things that I still try to do with my students even though we live in the world of STARR. I want to be in a class where we can talk about this story and how this story is going to impact your life one day, and how it’s going to be when you grow up, and how it relates to you.”
Many teachers go into the profession for the genuine passion of making an impact on future generations. They often want to make an impact on their students that lasts long beyond just the school year. Markan believes the desire to become a teacher goes beyond making money.
“I think people want to be teachers because it’s an impactful career, those that truly go into it, want to affect today’s youth and see the good in the world. Nobody goes into this job for the money,” said Markan. “When you do this job, you do it because you want to see the future of America be different and be better, and I want that for my kids, and I want that for my students.”
Starting any new job is hard, and teaching is no different. The pressure that comes from being a part of shaping students’ moral values and how they grow up can be intimidating. Markan believes the pressure on teachers has changed from the time she was in school.
“I loved it and I hated it, the kids were cussing and the rules were different. It was very positive, but in the beginning, it was really different, because I remember when I was in high school it was the best experience of my life. I had some of the best friendships of my life in high school,” said Markan.
Teaching has changed a lot over the years, requiring teachers to develop new teaching styles and skills. However, the one thing that hasn’t change is the impact that they leave on their students. Despite the adjustments, Markan thinks the changes are ultimately beneficial to both students and staff.
“I used to teach 11th and 12th grade and now I’m teaching ninth grade. It’s a different school district. It’s so STARR driven, so it’s a little bit different. Times change, education and science are always evolving and changing, which is a good thing, because you don’t want to teach in a school or a district where things are stagnant, you want to be in an area where things are always evolving,” said Markan.
Teachers change the world every day their students step foot in the classroom, and Markan is no exception. The love she has for her job gives her the ability to shape minds and change lives. Markan’s passion for wanting to change the world drives her to be the best teacher she can be.