Teaching is a selfless job; a service job. You have to like being around children. Even if they do bother you; you will soon learn to love them. Teachers teach because they love to learn from others and want to share their knowledge.

Limitations include strict curriculum guidelines provided by your district, state and country. Often times these are taken so literally that the "fun" of learning is swept by the wayside. It can be a challenge to "fit" everything in each day and each school year.

I find myself "watching what I say and do," more than I thought I would. Discipline is often a frustration to all involved. I teach ESL students and find that there isn't enough time to reach every student.

You must love to teach. This includes hours of planning and meetings meetings before and after hours; and supplies being bought out of pocket. You have to mind germs, bodily fluids and whining. A good student teaching experience and observation in various grades is also beneficial.

Caffeine. Energy is key. Whether through planning or teaching; energy and a positive outlook (which isn't always easy) is vital to survive. Communication among students, parents, administration and your colleagues is also necessary. It's not always easy to get everything done in a day, but as long as you put forth effort and set a goal; you will succeed. Knowing that each child learned something each day; whether it be during a lesson or on the playground secures my confidence as a teacher.