The 13 Challenges That Shape a Teacher’s Character

Teaching is not an easy profession. It requires a lot of skills, patience, and dedication. Along the way, teachers face many challenges that test their character and help them grow. Here are 12 of the most common challenges that shape a teacher’s character.

1. Getting trained as a teacher This is the first step to becoming a professional teacher. It involves learning the theories and practises of teaching, such as curriculum design, lesson planning, classroom management, assessment, and pedagogy.
2. Searching for a job. This is often a frustrating and disappointing process that teaches teachers valuable lessons, such as perseverance, resilience, and optimism.
3. Dealing with difficult students. This is one of the most challenging aspects of teaching. Teachers have to identify and handle students who have behavioural problems, learning difficulties, or special needs. They have to use strategies such as positive reinforcement, differentiation, and counselling.
4. Coping with a bossy boss This is another challenge that teachers may encounter in their workplace. They have to deal with a boss who is controlling, demanding, or unreasonable. They have to learn how to communicate effectively, assert themselves, and compromise.
5. Working with colleagues. This is an important part of teaching, as teachers need to collaborate and cooperate with their peers. However, not all colleagues are friendly or supportive. Some may be hostile, competitive, or unforgiving. Teachers have to learn how to handle conflicts, build rapport, and foster teamwork.
6. Following the school rules. This is a necessary part of teaching, as teachers need to comply with the school policies and regulations. However, some rules may be strict, unclear, or unfair. Teachers have to learn how to follow the rules while maintaining their integrity and creativity.
7. Spending your first salary This is a rewarding experience for teachers, as they get to enjoy the fruits of their labour. However, it also teaches them lessons such as budgeting, saving, and investing.
8. Preventing or managing chaos This is a crucial skill for teachers, as they need to maintain order and discipline in their classroom. They have to anticipate and prevent potential problems, such as fights, bullying, cheating, or vandalism. They also have to deal with emergencies, such as accidents, injuries, or fire drills.
9. Facing the parents. This is a nerve-wracking experience for teachers, especially new ones. They have to meet and communicate with the parents of their students, who may be judgmental, demanding, or rude. They have to learn how to explain their methods, justify their decisions, and address their concerns.
10. Surviving an assault This is a rare but possible scenario that teachers may face in their careers. They may be attacked verbally or physically by a student, a parent, or a colleague. They have to learn how to defend themselves, report the incident, and recover from the trauma.
11. Handling delayed payments. This is an unfortunate situation that teachers may encounter in their jobs. They may not receive their salary on time due to various reasons, such as budget cuts, administrative errors, or strikes. They have to learn how to cope with the financial stress and demand their rights.
12. Teaching disabled students. This is a noble and challenging task for teachers. They have to teach students who have physical or mental disabilities that affect their learning abilities. They have to use methods such as adaptation, modification, and accommodation.
13. Advising students on personal issues. This is an extra responsibility that teachers may take on in their role as mentors or counsellors. They may have to advise students who have personal problems that are beyond their expertise or experience. They have to learn how to listen empathetically, offer guidance wisely, and refer appropriately.

These are some of the challenges that teachers face in their careers that shape their character and make them better educators.