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About This Quiz
"Those who can't do, teach. Those who can't teach, teach gym class."
This classic quote is usually told as a joke, but unfortunately, there are a lot of people who actually believe this silly myth. It's one that we should debunk right away, and in fact, it's pretty easy to do — there is a long list of people who taught and also accomplished plenty in every field.
We can start by looking at Albert Einstein, the man who came up with a theory that now forms the foundation of modern physics. Einstein was a lecturer in both the Czech Republic as well as Switzerland before fleeing Europe to avoid the Nazi takeover.
Robert Frost, who wrote one of the most famous poems in the history of the genre, was a teacher, first at the high school level and then at a University in New Hampshire. In music, massive names like Sheryl Crow, Scott Joplin and Sting all worked as educators either before or during their music careers.Â
While mulling over this list of people who worked in education, you may be wondering if you have what it takes to be a teacher yourself. Luckily, we can answer that question for you. Sharpen your pencil, put away your devices, and get ready to find out if you are the type who can mold the minds of the youth.
Are you typically more of an early bird or a night owl?
I love waking up early!
I usually start my days pretty early.
I can get up early when I have to.
Sleeping in is the best!
You don't have to work with young children, but many teachers do — how do you feel about being around kids?
Kids are my favorite!
I enjoy being around children.
I'm neutral on kids.
I'll pass, thanks.
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How much do you enjoy public speaking?
I'd rather do almost anything else.
I can do it, but I get a little nervous.
I'm decent at it, so I kind of like it.
It's one of my favorite things to do.
Would you say you have pretty good handwriting or chicken scratch?
I'm not a calligrapher, but my writing is solid.
My handwriting is great.
It's legible ...
It takes a while to decipher what I write — I prefer typing.
Do you prefer dressing up for work, or would you rather keep things casual?
I'll dress fancy if I have to, but it's not my preference.
As casual as possible!
I like to dress up, but I'm flexible depending on the situation.
I want to be as fancy as possible
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How well do you handle emotional people?
I'm great at talking them down.
Better than most other people
I can sometimes help.
I try to stay as far away as possible.
Teaching is essentially boiling things down to their simplest form. Do you explain advanced concepts well?
It depends on the subject.
I'm pretty good at it, but I could get better.
Yes, I love helping people understand things and I'm great at it.
Not really
Do you feel comfortable when all of the attention in a room is on you?
Not at all
It's tough, but I can usually deal with it.
I'm OK with it.
Yes, it's my preferred scenario!
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Lots of people take jobs mainly for money — how important is financial compensation in your career?
I'm more concerned about making a difference.
It's just one of several things I'd consider about a career.
It matters a lot, but other things factor in.
Very important, my job needs to pay a lot.
Teachers have to understand how the world is changing to help prepare their students. Do you keep up with new trends in technology?
Yup, I'm always up on the latest gadgets.
I'm pretty hip for the most part.
It depends on the particular type of tech.
No, I only change technology when I absolutely have to.
Would you describe yourself as a fair person?
No, I prefer to choose one side and stick with it.
In all except a few sensitive situations
I'm somewhat fair.
Yes, I'm very fair.
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What would you do if you saw someone being bullied?
I'd attempt to stop it verbally, from a distance.
I'd jump in and put a stop to it immediately.
I'd see if it was safe and then decide whether or not to intervene.
I'd move away from the area as quickly as possible.
Ingenuity is key in education. Are you a creative person?
Yes, I consider myself pretty creative.
No, I'm a conventional thinker.
I love coming up with new ideas!
In a few areas, I can be.
Teachers have a lot to do and not much time in which to do it. How good at you at switching tasks?
I'm excellent at it! I can jump around without getting off-track.
Pretty good most of the time
I can do it sometimes, but not always.
I like to just focus on one thing.
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As a teacher, you will be just one part of the "village" raising a child. How well do you work with others?
I like to do things on my own.
Collaboration is one of my favorite things.
I'm pretty good at teamwork.
I can when I have to, but I don't always look to involve others.
Are you the one who typically makes plans with your friend group, or goes along with them?
I make plans for the group about 75% of the time.
I let my friends decide.
I almost always make the plans.
An even mix of both
Not everything about teaching is fun and games. How good are you at serious conversations?
They're no big deal to me.
I'd say I handle them better than most.
I can have them when absolutely needed, but I don't like them.
I'd rather let someone else handle it.
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Teachers have to do a lot of different types of work in a single day. How good are you at multitasking?
I only do one thing at a time.
I can do it, but I'm not the greatest.
Better than average
I'm always working on multiple things at once.
Teachers have to be peppy, even after a long day. Would other people describe you as energetic?
Not always, but when I need to be, I can get there.
Most of the time
Yes, I am always upbeat!
No, I'm more reserved.
How much do you like planning things months in advance?
It's one of my favorite things to do.
I generally enjoy planning ahead.
I can plan when required, but I usually don't.
I like to just go with the flow.
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Educators have a lot of official regulations to deal with. Do you generally like to follow the rules?
No, I do things my own way.
Usually, but I will break them from time to time in appropriate situations.
Yes, I'm a by-the-book type of person.
For the most part
What is the biggest factor that motivates your choice of career?
Making a difference in the world
Helping people
Doing work that matters
Getting paid
It's not medical school, but teachers still have to get an advanced degrees. How do you feel about college?
Ugh, I don't ever want to deal with that!
I don't love it, but I can get through it.
I don't mind going back to school.
I love learning!
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Some teachers have hundreds of students per year. How good are you at remembering names?
It takes me a few days to remember a single name.
I can instantly remember many different names.
I'm about average, I guess.
I'm usually pretty good at it.
How do you feel about punishing people who break the rules?
I never do it.
I only like punishing people when it's absolutely necessary.
I only do it in the most extreme situations.
I don't enjoy it, but it has to be done.
The learning curve for teachers can be quite steep. How do you handle it when things at a new job don't go right for you the first time?
Sometimes I'll keep going, but it depends on how much I enjoy the job.
I'd probably look for new work.
I always keep trying until I get it right!
I almost always persevere.
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Do you think it is important for people to continue to develop their professional skills?
Yes, it's critical to keep learning.
Most of the time
In some cases it can be.
Nah, once you learn something you are good.
Sometimes you have to read between the lines to understand what students are really saying. How well do you listen?
I'm one of the best listeners I know.
I'm usually a good listener.
I can be a good listener when I feel like it.
Sorry, what was that?
How good are you at staying on a deadline?
I am always at least on time, if not early!
I hit my deadlines almost every time.
I'm usually pretty good, but slips do happen.
I operate on my own schedule.
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