Real Job

Today I was told by a student at my school that I wasn't a 'real' teacher. 

I lesson plan. I make schemes of work entirely based around individual students. I track my students progress. I even mark their attendance.

I gave up my career. I gave up my business. I gave up my dreams for the future.

No, I don't have a teaching qualification. But I spend 5 days a week, 6 hours a day in a classroom, and I'm the one leading the sessions.

Yes, I feel very self conscious about having not done a teaching qualification. I often feel like I'm more playing at being teacher than actually being one. But this year I made the decision to make this my career. 

I may not be qualified but that doesn't mean that I'm not a teacher.