Students in secondary education aren’t the easiest to work with. They have a newly developed confidence that they didn’t have in primary school; they are braver, hormonal, and can be unmotivated. It really does take a special kind of person to truly motivate and educate secondary school students. The issues you face will be difficult and distinctive and you need some unique personal traits to get through the challenges children of these age groups throw at you. If you are unsure whether this job is right for you, then here are some of the traits you need to work in secondary education.
Passion
When someone is passionate about something they teach, people instantly take to that person more and will do more to engage in what they are teaching. So, being passionate about what you do and what you teach is highly desirable. One of the best ways to improve passion is by furthering your education. This will help you to maintain a renewed outlook and relink with the excitement you initially felt about your job.
Knowledge
Most secondary school teachers will specialize in a particular subject, so you need to make sure you know everything you need to know about what you teach. Again, furthering your education can help with this. A great course to consider is a Master’s Degree in Middle School Education because it will help you to excel in the curriculum you will be teaching and the subject matter. This qualification will also be compliant with the current standards.
Discipline
You need to have good disciplinary techniques when working with adolescents. As a secondary school teacher, it is essential to use effective discipline to keep control of your class. There are new learning and discipline styles being developed and taught. A large number of teachers have said that the best way to keep up with the current standards of this industry is by furthering your education.
Consistency
The importance of being consistent as an educator is something that primary school teachers are very familiar with. It is vital when you work with young children. Routine and stability are crucial to their development and will be something that can support their learning. With teenagers, it is equally important to be consistent. It has been proven that adolescents perform better when they have a dependable list of expectations to follow.
Positivity
Being a positive person is great for everyone around you. Whether it’s family, work colleagues or your students, having a positive outlook on everything you do is one of the most important traits you should possess as a secondary school teacher. It is also good for you and will make your work more enjoyable and less stressful. You need to be tough in this industry and having the ability to shake off bad feelings and powering through the good days can only make you better at what you do.
Although it can be challenging, if you possess or can develop the above traits and you enjoy helping people better their life, then this could be the perfect career for you. It will come with many challenges and no two days will be the same, but the satisfaction makes it worth it and can be extremely rewarding when done right.