7 Big Myths about Teaching That Keep Great People Out of the Classroom

Every year, thousands of passionate, capable individuals walk away from a career in teaching before they even begin. Why? Because of outdated myths, social bias, and misinformation.

If you have ever considered becoming a teacher but hesitated, this post is for you. We are breaking down 7 of the biggest myths about teaching and revealing the truth, using real-life insights from The Gift You Give Beyond the Classroom by Dr. Frantz Dorsainvil.

1. Teachers Don’t Make Enough Money

The Truth: Teacher salaries vary significantly depending on region and level of education. In many areas, especially suburban districts in states like New York, teachers earn six-figure salaries with full benefits and generous pension plans. For example, in Long Island, the median teacher salary exceeds $120,000.

Added Value: Teachers can also earn stipends through coaching, afterschool programs, and summer school. When you consider job security, healthcare, and retirement contributions, teaching becomes one of the most financially stable careers available today.

2. There’s No Career Growth in Education

The Truth: The classroom is only the beginning. Teachers can grow into curriculum specialists, instructional coaches, school counselors, principals, union representatives, central office leaders, and more.

Dr. Dorsainvil’s book outlines how education offers multiple career pathways beyond teaching, including leadership, consulting, and administrative roles. It is a field where you can build both legacy and leadership.

3. You’re Just Babysitting

The Truth: Teaching is one of the most intellectually and emotionally demanding professions in the world. It involves classroom management, behavioral intervention, differentiated instruction, data tracking, technology integration, and constant adaptation.

Effective teachers serve as mentors, social workers, advocates, and instructional leaders all at once. They are anything but babysitters.

4. Teaching Is Only for Women or Nurturing Types

The Truth: Successful educators come from all walks of life. Critical thinking, leadership, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving are just as important as nurturing instincts. 

There is an especially urgent need for more Black and Latino male educators, not only for representation, but because research shows male students of colour benefit academically and socially from seeing role models who look like them.

5.  Summers Off Means It’s an Easy Job

The Truth: Summers are not guaranteed vacations. Many educators spend their breaks in professional development, planning, or teaching summer programs. 

Let us not forget: Teachers work 10-hour days, often take work home, and shoulder high emotional stress. Time off is not a perk; it is necessary recovery time.

6. It’s Not a Real Profession Like Law or Business

The Truth: Education is foundational to every profession. Without teachers, there are no doctors, no engineers, no civic leaders.

Teachers must be licensed, certified, and constantly evaluated. They handle multimillion-dollar budgets through school funding and classroom technology, impact public policy, and manage diverse populations every day. It is a career built on skill, ethics, and influence.

7. If You’re Smart, You’ll Do Something Else

The Truth: This toxic narrative discourages our brightest minds from pursuing one of the most influential careers available.

In reality, the smartest people are needed most in education to inspire, innovate, and lead the next generation. The Gift You Give Beyond the Classroom emphasizes that educators are change agents, not last-resort professionals.

Bottom Line: 

It is time to challenge outdated ideas about teaching. Whether you are an aspiring educator or someone reconsidering your path, do not let false narratives keep you from a career that offers purpose, stability, and lifelong impact.

Dr. Frantz Dorsainvil’s message is clear: Teaching is a gift, not only for students, but also for the educator who chooses to lead.

Want more truth and insight? Read The Gift You Give Beyond the Classroom and discover why education is still one of the most rewarding professions today.

Get the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQFF6ZGP