What Should I Write in an Essay About Why I Want to Be a Teacher?

By Staff Writer | Last Updated August 4, 2015

In an essay about why one wants to become a teacher, one should write about their love of helping others learn. The urge to become a teacher is often backed by many noble feelings like commitment to the future, interest in community, love of knowledge, and concern for children. Ideally, an essay on why one wants to be a teacher should identify and explain those feelings.

The beginning of any essay should hook the reader. An anecdote is an effective hook. If the writer had a defining moment when they were inspired to pursue a career as a teacher or an inspiring moment with one of their own teachers, they should consider sharing that in the introduction of the essay.

The body should detail more of the reasons why the writer is drawn to this career. The reasons may be social ones, or they could be personal ones like the writer feels happy when they see others learn or because they like the idea of having summers off.

An effective essay on this topic should consider addressing the current social and political climate around this profession. For instance, the essay could touch on the person’s readiness to deal with the average teacher’s salary. A strong closing summarizes the writer’s reasons for wanting to become a teacher, and it can include a memorable quote or closing idea.