Tula teacher describes realities of teaching

The teaching profession has been and remains one of the country’s most important, as these people help the younger generation acquire knowledge and moral guideposts in life. Yet with every year there are fewer and fewer teachers.

A 71.RU correspondent spoke with young teacher Tatiana Mikhailovna, who has been working at a school for a relatively short time. We set out to learn from her what it is like to be a teacher, and what draws people to this profession.

«I was so nervous I couldn’t concentrate»

Tatiana has been working at one of Tula’s schools for five years now, joining immediately after graduating from university. At first the young teacher taught grades 5 through 11, but just recently she began teaching only senior students.

Her memories of that first September 1 — the start of the school year — are still fresh.

«I was so nervous that I couldn’t focus on preparing for the lessons scheduled for the next day. My brother made the presentations for me, and I was thinking about where to go to work instead of a school», Tatiana admits.

At the start of her career there were more tears than joy. And is it any wonder — managing dozens of children who differ in character and behavior, who have their own wants and ambitions that seem more important to them than the school curriculum?

Of course, now Tatiana has become more firm and composed in her teaching. But it was not an easy path.

«At first I couldn’t be strict with the children, couldn’t raise my voice or give a bad mark, because I worried about them so much. But over time my patience ran out, and I learned to be more demanding. Now I grade more objectively», the young woman said.

«Senior students are motivated»

It is commonly thought that working with senior students is much harder. They are less obedient and more stubborn.

«Working with senior students is not nearly as hard as it seems. There are upsides: children are more motivated and disciplined. But sometimes it is difficult to find an approach to those who did not choose my subject for the exam.

All children are different. Some attend my classes solely because of the timetable. Others show interest in the subject and plan to take the exam, so they are more active in lessons. But there are also those with whom I have friendly relations. They can come up to me during the break simply because it’s “me” — that is, not to a teacher but to a person.

Working with 5th graders is interesting too; lessons are lively, although it’s harder to keep their attention. But that doesn’t stop me from enjoying the work», Tatiana shared.

«Children always find a way to have fun»

Teaching is one of the toughest jobs thanks to the children. That does not mean working with children is inherently hard — it’s just that they generate so many amusing, funny and absurd situations that it’s very easy to go out of your mind.

«There is always something new happening at school. Children find new ways to entertain themselves every day. They can enter the classroom to music, record a video, knock a door off its hinges, tear down blinds, skip lessons, connect a wireless mouse and scroll through a presentation. Their energy does not let you relax», Tatiana said.

«I have never regretted my choice»

Tatiana admits that the idea of becoming a teacher came to her only at the end of school — in the 11th grade.

«I was inspired by my tutor, with whom I prepared for the Unified State Exam (EGE). She explained the material so accessibly and engagingly that I started thinking about teaching. And my parents supported my idea», Tatiana said.

On the whole, there is nothing surprising about her deciding so late to become a teacher. Very few people can choose a profession almost at the very start of school, and some only make a final choice as late as their third year at university.

Tatiana offered several wishes for future teachers.

«I want to wish you resilience, so as not to lose faith in yourself in the first years of work. For me this period was extremely difficult. It was hard to prepare for classes, maintain discipline in the classroom and cope with all the tasks. Without the support of my family, I would probably have left the school in the first year. However, after working for several years, I gained experience and have never once regretted my choice», the young woman said.