On Beginning My Twentieth Year Teaching

by Ken Hosier

Image by Matthew Ball via Unsplash

Today I’m about to start year 20 of my teaching career. It’s interesting how life can pivot and go in a direction you never fathomed. Prior to a career in education, I spent the first five years of my professional life working as a chemist. Despite my success in the lab business, I did not feel this was the career I wanted to have long term. After talking with my wife and close friends for over a year, I decided to make a career change and pursue education. It’s just something I felt called to do and where I could best use my gifts.

For years I grew weary of defending my decision. My reasoning never seemed to satisfy some. Just stating, “I try to have an eternal perspective” wasn’t sufficient.

“Why would you give up a lucrative job for teaching?”

Teaching is lucrative but not in a materialistic way. Plus, my wife and I have done just fine. Dave Ramsey would be proud.

“You just want summers off.”

A myth. Teachers are typically writing curriculum, reading, attending conferences, taking courses, etc. during the summer, usually pro bono (and we pay for the courses). Plus, our average work week during the school year is fairly intense. There are many micro-decisions every day. Most of us are exhausted by the time June (or maybe February) rolls around.

“Why would you swap the business world for teaching teenagers?”

Both can be moody. However, teenagers tend to be less jaded about the world than adults. I enjoy revealing the wonders of Creation through science with them. I look at this age group as “pre-adults.” I’m just one cog in the machine helping them grow into productive adults. Although I practically have to take an online language class to keep up with the new slang vernacular, I find this age group to be quite fun to teach.

What I didn’t expect was the blessings that come with being a teacher. I’ve attended many weddings, celebrated the arrival of new children, gone to college graduations, and attended several class reunions. I met with around 30 former students at various times this summer alone (“Just to catch up”). And yes, I still feel blessed when they reach out to ask for help with their organic chemistry homework, seek financial advice, or ask if I’d be a reference for a job. And I never take for granted that they take time to come visit me at school during their holiday breaks.

Maybe my answers above are still not sufficient for some. That’s fine. I’m convinced I made the right decision and have zero regrets. Here’s to another great school year.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” --Winston Churchill