Introduction to Education

Intrinsic

Intrinsic rewards of teaching are the “feel good” rewards. It is my experience that most teachers teach because  they wish to help change a student’s life in a positive way. In my association with many teachers over the past thirty years, I have lived the positive, magical desire to change, for the better, my life and my student’s life with each interaction – as we learn together. Teachers have that ability to make a difference in the lives of their students. They can inspire, challenge, mold, and postively impact the life of each of their students. Intrinsic rewards come from within. There is no amount of money that can purchase the intrinsic or “feel good” rewards of a positive student/teacher interaction.

Extrinsic

Extrinsic rewards in teaching are tangible rewards that teachers receive for their work. These rewards include their teaching salary, pension offerings, health insurance, and flexible working schedules.  These rewards are typically offered by and are part of the Local Education Agency (LEA) where the teacher is employed.

The most significant extrinsic reward in teaching is salary. Teachers may receive higher salaries as they gain more education and additional teaching experience. As teachers add endorsements to their license, or accept additional responsibilities in their LEA, their extrinsic rewards can increase.

Teacher Feature

Each chapter contains a “Teacher Feature.” Each Teacher Feature represents individuals that have been a vital part of my 33 year teaching experience. I consider these teachers experts in the field of teaching. Possible learning activities may include instructor/student discussions focusing on the important aspects of each of these teacher interviews. The Teacher Features are centered around four interview questions that embody the intrinsic and extrinsic rewards of teaching. These questions are:

1. Why did you become a teacher?
2. What makes you a good teacher?
3. What is your favorite part of being a teacher?
4. Knowing what you know now, what would you do differently as a teacher if you could start over and what advice would you give new teachers?

These Teachers Features are an important part of this curriculum. They encapsulate teaching truths that have been learned over the span of these outstanding individual’s careers. It is important that you, as a teacher and student, listen to them and discuss the key lessons learned.

Both the intrinsic and extrinsic rewards of teaching are why I chose to become a teacher. After 33 years, the same holds true today. I began my teaching career after working as a clerk and Italian Linguist for the FBI. I had many influential teachers over my learning/teaching experience and this influenced me to pursue becoming a teacher. I began my teaching career as a high school English teacher and head wrestling coach. Over the years I have taught multiple subjects including English/Language Arts, math, choir, yearbook, building construction (and destruction), post-secondary correctional education, and have filled many administrative roles in the growing Career and Technical Education (CTE) world. I currently am an Associate Professor of Education at Utah Technical University. Every day I tell my wonderful wife of 36 years that I have the best job in the world!

As an introductory assignment into how this e-text is intended to function, please listen to the following Teacher Feature with this outstanding elementary principal and former elementary teacher. Additionally, this featured teacher has played a critical role as a Learning Coach assigned to train teachers in the school district. After you have listened to the Teacher Feature, answer the questions that are asked.

Teacher Feature Reflection Questions:

1. Why did Mrs. Nobis become a teacher?
2. What does Mrs. Nobis believe makes her a good teacher and Principal?
3. What is Mrs. Nobis’s favorite part of being a teacher and a principal?
4. What advice would Mrs. Nobis give to new teachers?