Expert: James J. Kovalcin - 5/17/2002

Question
Hi James,
I'm a junior college teacher teaching chemistry for 4 years. I wonder how do you keep the passion of teaching after so many years?
I do not really know whether I am suitable for teaching. My communication skills are not great and 2 students from my previous batch of students have complained to me that my teaching was not clear. I do experience some joy in teaching but I do not know whether I should continue. Any advice?

I'll be glad to furnish you with more information if you do ask for it.

Thank you.

Wesley Chong

Answer
My principle advice would be this! Do not spend the next 30 years of your life doing something you do not love! You are only allocated one lifetime. To spend most of your waking hours doing something you are not in love with is its own form of purgatory. I'm lucky. I have been teaching physics for 31 years and when I retire in 4 years I will look for a job TEACHING PHYSICS! I fully hope to teach physics until I am no longer able. Now THAT is passion! And on top of that, do your students deserve less? My only caveat would be, do you have another passion? Follow your heart. At the beginning of my caree I spent 6 months working in research and the clock on the wall moved in slow motion. Now THAT was hell!