Anonymous asked: This question is for Armine: what level of formal education did you complete to become a school teacher? What areas of study really piqued your interest? It seems from some of the lyrics a lot of Philosophy and possibly Psychology. Lastly, what do you find the most enriching and rewarding part about being a teacher? I am considering becoming a teacher and would really enjoy your input from experience.
I(Armine) graduated Temple University with a BA in Education, focus in Social Sciences. I was one credit short of a minor in Psychology. I also hold a certification allowing me to case manage students in crisis.
Currently I’m working on a masters degree in education. I’d like to teach at the university level one day.
However after I’m finished my masters program in the spring, I’ll be going to school for veterinarian technology(Just because).
In terms of how rewarding the teaching profession is, my advice is to look at it this way: Take pride in all your small victories(smiles, hellos, high fives, jokes and “oh man I can’t believe I understand this”.
No one tells you at the end of the day “hey that was really inspiring”, or “thanks for being there when I needed help”, or even “Thanks for working 70hrs a week and smiling the entire time”. In fact no one tells you “I’m going to be a congressmen and work for the people, not the lobbyist, because of your class”. Those thank youse come 6-7 years after the students have entered the real world, after they can see outside themselves. Long after they’ve, in many cases, have forgotten all about you, will you finally reap those returns.
I’ve had several students return to pay their respect and give their thanks and praise. Those energizing moments carry you on. Those moments make you remember why you do the most under rated and under appreciated job out there.
