An Amazing Profession.. :)

Remember when you were young, and your teacher would ask you what you wanted to be when you grew up? Do you remember what you said? Maybe your reply was "a Fireman!, because they are brave and strong", or perhaps you said "a Policeman!, because they get to drive fast cars and carry a gun". Whatever it was that you decided you wanted to be that day, you porbably picked it because you thought it would be just amazing to get to go to a rewarding job like that day in and day out. Now think back on who influenced you the most throughout your years of learning and growth? Who was there to guide you along the way, and help you mold yourself into the person you had one day hoped to be? For a lot of people, there was that one teacher, that one professor or coach that helped them succeed and excel all throughout thier growing years. So, now when you reflect on the professions that you see as most important or amazing, do you not include teaching?
Think about it: teachers (and coaches) are there with us 7 to 8 hours out of every school day, for most of the year. They provide for us everything they know, and guide us when they can. That's the amazing thing about the teaching profession: you help mold individuals into the people they want to be, and you are able to watch them learn and grow on such a personal level that not only do you influence them, but they will impact you as well.
If this is not enough to persuade you, then go and see for yourself. Step into a classroom full of kindergarteners, first, second or even fifth graders, and see how they look at the teacher with such wonder and excitment! Go to a middle school and see how the children look at thier teachers as role models and friends. Visit a high school and see how students look to thier teachers for support and guidance.
Teaching may not be the profession of choice for everyone, but it sure is a life changing adventure, and simply an amazing art altogether. :)