Think about the people who’ve had the greatest impact in your life. The ones who inspired you, supported you or encouraged you. Chances are, at least a few of them are teachers. From kindergarten to the collegiate level, teachers and educators play an essential role in our society. They don’t just impart information, they offer guidance and mentorship when it’s needed most.
If you have a reason to become a teacher, it’s probably thanks to a meaningful impact a teacher had on your life.
As with any profession, there are challenges associated with teaching. Being a good teacher is a full-time commitment, requiring extended working hours and constant time management to plan lessons, organize activities, conduct research and handle dozens of other tasks. Many teachers today face difficulties helping students affected by poverty, lack of parental support and mental health issues.
So, why do teachers teach? Because for many, the benefits outweigh the difficulties. We know, because at Marshall University, we’ve been training teachers since the 1860s. Read on to hear directly from some of our students and instructors, and start exploring your reasons to be a part of this important profession.
Why Teaching is a Meaningful Career
Why do teachers become teachers? The answer is different for everyone, but for most, it is because teaching is about changing lives. Every day, teachers guide students through critical stages of development, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to thrive—ew careers offer that kind of influence.
As a teacher, you are a change agent. You don’t just deliver lessons, you open minds, build self-belief and create safe spaces where students can grow. You may be the person who helps a student discover their passion, overcome a challenge or believe in themselves for the first time and that kind of impact stays with a person for life.
For many, teaching is a calling. It’s a commitment to serve, lead and support young people—not just academically, but emotionally and socially. Teachers help students develop the tools they’ll need to succeed, not just for school or their career, but throughout their lives. Teachers play an essential role in helping us develop critical thinking, empathy, communication and resilience.
Right now, there is a shortage of teachers across the country, especially in high-need areas like early childhood education, special education, STEM and underserved communities. Education employment has been one of the slowest sectors to rebound from the COVID-19 recession, only recently surpassing pre-pandemic levels. However, much more needs to be done. A report by the Learning Policy Institute showed that 1 in 8 of all national teaching positions are either unfilled or are filled by teachers not fully certified for their assignments.
As a certified teacher, you have an incredible opportunity not just to excel within your profession and find fulfillment, but to truly make a difference in the lives of others. This is true across all of the major reasons why teachers love what they do.
10 Inspiring Reasons to Become a Teacher
1. You Make a Lasting Impact on Students’ Lives
As a teacher, you’ll influence your students’ futures in powerful ways. Every lesson, every interaction, every moment of encouragement can spark something that changes the direction of a student’s life. Whether it’s helping a quiet kid find their voice or guiding a struggling learner toward a breakthrough, the influence teachers have goes far beyond academics.
One of the most important roles a teacher plays is modeling how to be a kind, thoughtful and respectful human being. Students learn how to act by watching others, so when you show up every day with empathy, communicate clearly, lead with patience and treat others with dignity, your students notice. And they carry those lessons with them long after they leave your classroom.
Teachers also help students discover who they are and what they care about. Maybe it’s a love of science, a talent for writing or a knack for solving problems. You get to help students recognize their strengths and see their potential—sometimes before they see it themselves. Helping a student go from “I can’t” to “I did” is one of the most rewarding feelings there is.
“More than anything, if you love the children, they will learn. I feel like a good teacher is someone who genuinely—I mean genuinely with their heart and soul—is passionate about the career. Watching kids learn is incredibly rewarding.” — Janna Hamrick, Fifth Grade Teacher, Milken Educator Award winner
Read more about what helps to inspire Janna as an educator.
2. You Can Enjoy a Purpose-Driven Career
Teaching is a role where you wake up each morning knowing your actions matter. Every lesson, every conversation, every bit of guidance contributes to something far bigger than yourself. This is what helps give teachers a clear sense of purpose. You’re not just helping students pass tests—you’re giving them the tools to think critically, express themselves and engage with the world around them. You’re also shaping the global community we all live in.
As a teacher, you have the chance to make your impact felt well beyond the classroom walls. Many teachers become trusted voices in their neighborhoods—connecting with parents, partnering with school leaders and helping communities join together around shared goals.
You’ll work with families, colleagues and administrators to meet students’ needs and create a healthy learning environment. Along the way, you may mentor new teachers, help shape school policy or take part in district-wide initiatives. Over time, you’re helping to build a smarter, more compassionate, more connected society. You have the opportunity to drive change—locally and nationally—just by doing your job well.
“I chose this career path because of the positive impact that teachers had on my life. Teaching is not always easy, but it has been the most rewarding experience that I’ve had the privilege to be a part of. I love that every day is something new. I have never had to worry about getting bored with my job. … Students come to school with new ideas, personalities and creativities each day. I know it is super cliché, but making a difference in a child’s life is something that is so rewarding.”
— Abby Herring, Marshall Graduate, Educator and NCAA Woman of the Year Finalist
Read more about Abby’s story and her experiences in living her Marshall moment.
3. There’s Job Security Thanks to Constant Demand
As mentioned earlier, there’s a shortage of qualified teachers across the United States and globally, meaning there is a constant need for qualified educators in a range of settings. Public schools, private schools, charter schools, higher education, online schools and alternative education programs are all actively hiring. There’s especially high demand in specialized roles that require trained professionals and can’t be filled easily, such as special education, English as a second language (ESL) and early childhood education.
As technology reshapes industries and automates tasks, teaching is evolving in response. As digital learning platforms expand worldwide, so does the need for certified teachers who can deliver quality instruction remotely. Smartboards and AI can support instruction, but they can’t replace a skilled educator’s ability to inspire, connect and adapt. Nor can they replace the relationships and real-time responsiveness that teachers bring to their classrooms every day.
Teaching also offers highly transferable skills and geographic flexibility. Most states have licensing reciprocity agreements, so you can often transfer your teaching certification if you need to move. In many cases, you can even teach abroad. Once you’re trained and credentialed, you have the freedom to live and work almost anywhere.
4. You Can Benefit from Lifelong Learning and Personal Growth
As a teacher, professional development is built into your career path. You’ll have regular opportunities to sharpen your skills, earn additional credentials and explore specialized areas such as special education, literacy, ESL or instructional technology. These added qualifications not only make you a more effective educator—they also make you more competitive and flexible in the job market.
Every day, you’ll be challenged to think critically, solve problems creatively and reflect on your methods. Your students will push you to see the world from different angles. Whether it’s a new question, a unique perspective or a moment of unexpected insight, the classroom is a space where everyone learns. This ongoing exchange helps you stay relevant, engaged and motivated in your work.
Throughout your career, you’ll continue to develop both professionally and personally. You’ll build stronger communication, leadership, collaboration and time management skills. You’ll learn to adapt to changing technologies, diverse classrooms and evolving educational needs. Teaching gives you a path of continuous self-improvement.
“My good friend Marie Manilla, a brilliant writer and teacher in her own right, made a comment once that there’s nothing like teaching to recharge a writer’s batteries. It’s true! Not only do you feel like a fraud if you’re not practicing what you preach in the writing classroom, there’s a profound sense of identification and empathy that I experience in relating to my students’ struggles, which are often the same ones I share, as a writer.” — Dr. Racheal Peckham
Read more about Dr. Peckham’s love of teaching and why she was named West Virginia Professor of the Year.
5. It’s a Way to Build Meaningful Relationships
If you’re looking to build human connections, teaching provides that opportunity. You’ll support your students through challenges, celebrate their successes and help them discover what they’re capable of. For many teachers, their relationships with students are the most rewarding part of the job. Watching a student grow, helping them through a tough time or hearing from them years later—those moments are all uniquely rewarding.
Those lifelong relationships aren’t limited to students. You’ll also join a community of fellow educators who understand the ups and downs of the job. Teachers learn from each other, share ideas, swap strategies and offer encouragement. It’s a professional network built on empathy, purpose and shared goals.
Teaching also connects you to your local community in a way few other jobs can. You’ll build relationships with parents and caregivers, working together to support a child’s growth and well-being. You’ll have opportunities to provide outreach to local organizations, collaborate with businesses and be an important voice in the public sector. You’re not just educating, you’re helping to shape the future of the place you live in.
“These experiences have allowed me to become more involved in the community here in Huntington and West Virginia and give back to the same people that have supported me along my journey. The community involvement that I have taken part in here in Huntington has allowed me to grow as an athlete, student, teacher and person.” — Abby Herring
6. You Can Enjoy a Healthy Work-Life Balance and Schedule Flexibility
One of the most attractive aspects of teaching is its unique structure compared to other careers. Unlike many jobs that offer limited vacation time, teachers typically get paid time off not only for major holidays, but also a break in the winter and spring, and a longer pause in the summer. While many educators do use some of this time to plan, reflect or work on professional development, it also provides space to rest, travel, spend time with family or pursue personal goals.
Your day-to-day life offers a balance of structure and unpredictability. An academic schedule is consistent, with most school days starting early and ending mid-afternoon, allowing time in the evenings for personal activities. While grading and lesson planning often happen outside of classroom hours, the daily rhythm can make it easier to manage time and energy. A typical workday might include planning and teaching several lessons, checking in with students, collaborating with colleagues and grading or prepping materials.
Though the work is structured, it doesn’t have to be repetitive. Every day brings something new, whether it’s an interaction with your students or a unique project for the classroom. And your time is flexible: You decide how to shape your lessons, organize your classroom and respond to students’ needs. That creative control can make your work more fulfilling—and give you the room to care for your growth and well-being.
7. You Can Explore Career Growth and Leadership Opportunities
The teaching profession is full of built-in opportunities to grow. From district-led workshops to national conferences, there is no shortage of professional development programs, networking events and training seminars. These gatherings give you the chance to connect with other educators, share best practices and discover innovations from classrooms across the country.
The skills you develop as a teacher—communication, organization, leadership and problem-solving—are the same skills that position you for success in larger roles. Whether you stay in the classroom or move into administrative roles, teaching gives you a strong foundation to grow and lead at every level of education.
If you’re driven to lead, there are clear paths to get there. Certifications or advanced degrees can qualify you for higher-level roles and expand your influence beyond your classroom. Some examples that Marshall University provides include:
- Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in School Psychology — A great option if you’re interested in Psychology and Education and want to build a career as a school psychologist.
- Education Specialist (EdS) in Curriculum and Instruction — A graduate program for educators who want to support their classroom teaching or explore careers in instructional coaching or as curriculum specialists.
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Curriculum and Instruction — A terminal degree for educators interested in contributing to the field of education, through teacher education, higher education or training and professional development.
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership Studies — A terminal degree for educators who want to assume leadership positions in their professional communities, whether in academic, nonprofit, government or social service settings.
Career growth can be more than just fulfilling. Many districts offer tuition support or pay increases for teachers who pursue advanced credentials.
“In the future, I see myself teaching in my home county. In Fayette County, we are struggling to find teachers. I want to encourage my community the same way they encouraged me. My high school band director, Mr. Myers, gave me the advice to let your personality shine throughout you—through your whole life. My third-grade teacher, Mrs. Setterl, taught me to be kind and to be the joy that everyone needs. My vo-tech teacher, Ms. Crouch, taught me that to be a great teacher, all you need is a heart to do it.” — Danielle Bailey, Marshall Elementary Education major
Read more about how Danielle plans to give back to others as a grateful beneficiary of the Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program.
8. There are Competitive Salaries and Good Benefits Opportunities
You can earn a good living as a teacher when you combine your salary and benefits. Depending on your location, experience level and certifications, your exact salary will vary. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for educational instruction positions, median salaries are:
- Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers — $62,310
- Middle School Teachers — $62,970
- High School Teachers — $64,580
- Postsecondary Teachers — $83,980
For a comparison of average salaries across U.S. states, see the National Education Association’s 2025 data on Educator Pay in America.
Keep in mind that many districts offer steady pay increases tied to years of service and additional qualifications. Also, what sets teaching apart in terms of compensation isn’t just the paycheck—it’s the total package. Most full-time teachers receive:
- Health insurance – including medical, dental and vision coverage
- Retirement benefits – through pension systems or employer-sponsored plans
- Paid time off – for holidays, sick days, personal days and extended school breaks
- Job security – with tenure or contract protections in many states
- Tuition reimbursement – for continuing education or earning advanced degrees
- Loan forgiveness programs – especially for those who teach in high-need subjects or underserved communities
Many districts also offer bonuses or higher pay for teachers in specialized roles. If you’re open to relocation, high-demand regions may offer competitive signing incentives or relocation assistance.
9. Diverse Career Paths in Education
A teaching degree doesn’t lock you into one classroom or subject, it opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities. Whether you want to specialize within education or explore paths beyond the traditional classroom, teaching gives you the foundation to do both.
As a licensed teacher, you can grow into specialized roles that focus on areas of high demand:
- Special education — Work with students who have diverse learning needs. This role often requires additional certification or licensure in special education areas such as visual impairments, multi-categorical disabilities and autism.
- STEM education — Teaching subjects like math, biology, physics, chemistry, computer science, robotics or engineering, often with an emphasis on real-world problem-solving and innovation. STEM positions can require a bachelor’s degree in education and in your subject area.
- Technology integration specialist — Help schools adopt and implement new educational technologies. Many in this role pursue credentials in instructional technology or earn a master’s in educational technology.
- English as a second language (ESL) — Work with students whose first language isn’t English, helping them develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Teaching ESL may require a bachelor’s degree in education or English, plus teacher certification and ESL or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) endorsement or certification.
Teaching equips you with highly transferable skills that are valued in countless fields. If you want to branch out into a new sector in education, here are just a few options you could pursue:
- Instructional designer — Design educational materials, online courses and training programs for schools, universities or private companies
- Recommended credentials: Master’s in instructional design, educational technology or curriculum development
- Educational consultant — Advise schools, districts or education companies on improving teaching strategies, curriculum or school operations
- Recommended credentials: Varies, but a master’s in education or administration helps, plus experience in a specific focus area
- Corporate trainer — Train employees in professional settings, developing workshops, onboarding materials and skill-building programs
- Recommended credentials: No additional degree required in some cases; a background in adult learning or a certification in corporate training is useful
- Academic advisor — Support students in schools, colleges or universities by helping them plan coursework, set goals and stay on track
- Recommended credentials: Master’s in school counseling, higher education or academic advising
- Curriculum developer — Create instructional materials, textbooks, lesson plans and assessment tools for schools or education companies
- Recommended credentials: Master’s in curriculum and instruction or educational leadership
- Social worker (school-based) — Support students’ mental health and well-being, connecting families to resources and advocating for student needs
- Recommended credentials: Master’s in social work (MSW) and state licensure as a school social worker
- School principal — Lead and manage a school’s staff, culture, curriculum and operations
- Recommended credentials: Master’s in educational leadership or school administration, plus state-level administrative certification
- Private tutor — Offer personalized academic support to students in specific subjects or test prep, often on a flexible schedule
- Recommended credentials: A teaching license is often enough, but specialization or tutoring certifications (like in SAT/ACT prep) can boost credibility
- Librarian / Museum educator or curator — Provide educational experiences in libraries or museums, create learning materials, lead tours or workshops and manage collections
- Recommended credentials: Master’s in library science (for librarians) or a degree in museum studies, history or education (for curators/educators)
10. It is a Changing and Flexible Work Environment
Every day in teaching brings something new. The students in your classroom, the lessons you teach and the challenges you tackle are always changing. No two classes are the same, even if you’re teaching the same subject or grade. This variety keeps the work fresh, engaging and full of growth opportunities.
As a teacher, you’re able to design your classroom environment and develop lesson plans that reflect your teaching style and meet your students’ learning needs. You have the space to adjust, experiment and innovate. That flexibility means you’re always refining your approach and learning alongside your students.
What makes the job truly exciting is the people. You’ll work with students from all walks of life, collaborate with diverse colleagues and partner with families and community members. These relationships create a vibrant, human-centered work environment that constantly challenges and inspires you.
“I developed History 218 (Ancient Egypt) especially because of so many student requests, finding a new academic love of my own in the treasures of the Nile. I am not a parent in the classroom; I am a teacher, but some strategies can work both ways. I always listen to my children, so I have tried to listen to my students more.” — Dr. Laura Michele Diener
Read more about how Dr. Diener’s work with her students led to interactive workshops, active-learning extracurricular activities and recognition as the Dr. Charles E. Hedrick Outstanding Faculty awardee for 2023-2024.
Is Teaching Right for You? 6 Things to Consider
There are many reasons why people choose to become teachers. If you’re wondering whether teaching is the path for you, start by asking the right questions.
- Do I enjoy working with children or young adults?
If you find energy and meaning in helping young people grow, that’s a strong sign this could be a fulfilling career. Understanding the age groups that you’re most comfortable working with can also point you in a direction for what grade level you want to focus on. - Am I patient, adaptable and resilient?
Classrooms are dynamic. Things rarely go exactly as planned, and flexibility is key. If that sounds exciting to you, then you could do well in the classroom. - Do I communicate well and enjoy explaining ideas?
Teaching is all about making complex ideas clear. Today, no one expects teachers to be lecturing in front of a blackboard with their backs to the class. If you enjoy helping others through the learning process, then you can connect with students in a way that makes learning accessible. - Am I motivated by purpose more than prestige?
Choosing to become a teacher is more than chasing a paycheck. It’s choosing to do meaningful work. If that aligns with your values, then the rewards are deep. - Do I want a career that offers variety, creativity and constant learning?
As a teacher, you have to keep learning. Staying on top of updated educational standards, new tools and technologies and evolving instructional methods requires research and dedication. If you like challenges and creative problem-solving, you’ll likely thrive as a teacher. - Am I ready to be a mentor, a role model and a steady presence in others’ lives?
Teaching isn’t just about imparting content—it’s about embodying character, leadership and trust. If you want to help others grow to be their best possible selves, then you’re walking the right path.
If you’re ready to become a teacher, or at least explore your options, then these should be your next steps:
- Research education programs — Look into colleges or universities with strong teacher preparation programs. Explore available specializations in elementary or secondary education, or certification in areas such as special education or ESL.
- Talk to current teachers or advisors — Connect with teachers or education professors. Ask them for insights about the current state of education. Talk to them about what their jobs are really like. Their advice can help shape your decision.
- Volunteer or observe in a classroom — If possible, spend time in a school setting. Even a few hours of classroom observation can give you valuable perspective.
- Explore financial aid or scholarship options — Many states offer financial aid or loan forgiveness for aspiring teachers. Thanks to the amount of scholarships, grants and tuition assistance provided for undergraduate students, Marshall was named one of the top 100 most affordable universities in America by Best Value Schools.
- Apply for a Degree in Education — Once you’re ready, apply to a teacher preparation program that aligns with your interests. If you’re looking for a well-renowned, accredited program that offers 32 different educational certifications and on-campus and online learning options, we invite you to live your Marshall Moment.
Education Degree Programs at Marshall University: Online and In-Person Options to Suit Your Lifestyle
Whether you prefer an in-person experience or the flexibility of an online program, Marshall offers a diverse range of high-quality, comprehensive educational degree programs designed to meet your unique needs. In our programs, you’ll be working with award-winning and caring faculty members who have been in the classroom and will help you develop the skills you need.
See your full list of options that are part of the College of Education and Professional Development.
Marshall’s teacher education programs are fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP, formerly known as NCATE). This means you are assured that we have gone through a rigorous process that includes on-site reviews by a team of experts in the field of education.
If you’d like to talk about which program is the best fit for you, we encourage you to reach out to our admissions team for guidance.