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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, July 31, 2005

No regrets on a rewarding profession: teaching

By Sharon Chun

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This is the latest in a series of "Voices of Education" articles prepared by various "front-line" participants in education in Hawai'i who hope to drive the conversation on education reform. Contributors to this series include preschool through college educators who seek to identify areas of consensus within the profession and then to inform policymakers on their ideas. For more information, see www.hawaii.edu/voice.

Imagine my surprise to find out from Randy Hitz, dean of the College of Education at the University of Hawai'i, that not enough students are enrolling in the secondary and special-education teacher education programs.

My eyes grew even wider when I learned that college students were not even taking advantage of scholarships in the areas of math, science and special education. Perhaps they were not aware of these opportunities, I gently suggested.

Hitz assured me that the information was widely publicized, and I had further proof of this the following day when talking to my niece, who will be a high school junior in the fall.

Stefanie and her friends know about the financial assistance being offered and still are not planning to enter the College of Education.

"Auntie," she said, "Why should we, when there are so many other career opportunities open to us? I myself would prefer to become an architect rather than a teacher." She pointed out the long hours and low pay compared with other professions.

She discussed the new demands on teachers as a result of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Stefanie then went on to describe education as an increasingly difficult task requiring dealing with unruly children, complaining parents and threats of violence against teachers.

It was an eye-opening discussion for me. I had a better understanding of how this perception of teaching, shaped by news articles, grapevine gossip and personal observations, has been detrimental to enrollment in teacher-education programs.

This year, Hawai'i must find 1,600 highly qualified teachers to fill vacant positions. A new Hawai'i State Teachers Association survey found that the Islands could lose up to 50 percent of their teachers within five years. I am extremely worried about the future education of our students.

It is true that there are many more opportunities open to women today than when I first chose teaching as my career.

In 1967, after enjoying two years in the College of Liberal Arts, it was time for me to commit to a specific future vocation. I knew my getting weak in the knees at the sight of blood was not a good trait for anything in the medical profession, where female doctors were a rarity but nursing careers were readily available.

I briefly flirted with the idea of becoming an engineer until told by an engineering professor that women did not do well in their classes because math and science were too hard for them. I do not think that I was discouraged by the difficulty of the subject matter, but rather by the bias and prejudice that I might experience in that male-dominated field.

Having had no experience teaching young people, I hesitantly made inquiries to the College of Education. I was offered the opportunity to observe elementary school classes at the University Lab School.

Watching a master teacher and the responsiveness of her students helped allay my fears of having to manage a class and convinced me to enroll in the College of Education. I have never regretted this decision to become a teacher.

In my first year of teaching, I received the princely salary of about $7,600 a year. In the 2006-2007 school year, a starting teacher will receive $39,901 a year. Other professions might have higher pay; however, teaching has its own special rewards.

There is that special light of understanding that shines in a student's eyes during an "Aha!" moment. There are the letters from students present and past that tell you your efforts have borne fruit. There is the recognition from parents passing by in shopping malls, restaurants and usually at times when you wish you were dressed better, who stop and thank you for teaching their child.

Finally, there is that time at the end of the school year when you look back with pride at how much your students have progressed and for a brief, fleeting moment wish they did not have to leave.

Teaching is a profession in which you must practice what you preach. Learning is lifelong as you constantly seek ways to improve the education of your students. You are free to use your creative juices to adapt lessons to suit the needs of your students.

My first-grade students have created puppets to share their work, acted like scientists to discover what would hatch from our mystery eggs, written letters to soldiers in Iraq, created a rhythm band based on sound experiments and purchased houses and lots to create a mock neighborhood.

I now see parents as teaching partners who can give me valuable feedback on their child's learning. Mothers, fathers and grandparents come into the classroom to share their expertise and special skills.

If I had doubts those many years ago about my ability to manage a class of students, about being able to have students learn, about dealings with parents, I can assure you that those no longer exist.

Teaching is indeed a noble profession. If you love to learn new things and share that learning with others, this is the career for you. You will make a difference in the lives of young people. I can think of no greater achievement than to have one of my former students come to me and say, "Ms. Chun, I have decided to become a teacher!"

I would probably burst with pride.

Sharon Chun has taught for 34 years and is a teacher at Ma'ema'e Elementary School. In fall 2004, she became a National Board Certified Teacher.