There is a lot to dislike about being a teacher – long hours, demanding parents, and misbehaving students, but there is also a lot to love about being an educator. We can feel exhausted and drained when focusing on all the hard parts of the job, but it’s important to sometimes take a break and remember why we got into this career in the first place. After all, we do make a difference in the lives of hundreds of children over the course of our careers. Here are nine of the best things about being a teacher according to this uplifting Reddit thread:

1. Watching your students learn

One of the best things about teaching is the

It is immensely rewarding to watch your students suddenly get what you’ve been teaching them. When a student says something like, “I get it now!” you can’t help but beam with pride. 

2. Helping kids understand hard things

Reddit text: This moment occurs, now and then, when you see understanding

There are many tough topics – academic and otherwise – that teachers get to help their students navigate. What an honor teachers have to impart their wisdom on the next generation. This teacher is correct – it’s “freakin priceless” when it happens!

3. Staying healthier

Surprisingly, another one of the best things about teaching is that you won't get sick much: Reddit text: You will develop an amazing immune system.

Kids can be disgusting! Snot, bathroom accidents, lunch disasters, unwashed hands, and all the germs. Being exposed to all this will boost your immune system. It will also require you to wash your hands – a lot. But you’ll rarely get sick, which is awesome, since making sub plans is way worse than going to work not feeling well.

4. Becoming part of a family

Reddit text: Love these! I'm going to add... When a kid tells you their sibling had you and told them they're lucky to have you as a teacher. When a parent gives you a bottle of wine for Christmas to thank them for dealing with their annoying child. When they wants to take pictures with you and their family at graduation.

Teachers get the privilege of spending all day with children. Even when it’s hard and the kids are out of control, you get to be a part of so many wonderful families. Siblings are excited to have you after hearing how much fun you are, parents give you thoughtful gifts because you mean so much to their kids, you get asked to important events such as graduations, and more. No other profession allows you to be so important to so many.

5. Getting long vacations

Reddit text: You get two months off every summer, one week off at Thanksgiving, two weeks off at

In exchange for working so many hours during the school year, teachers get a nice long break over the summer. (Let’s be honest though, you’re still working as you come up with even more educational and fun things for your students in the fall!) Summer break, spring break, winter break, and the scattered days off throughout the year all help teachers take a much-needed break so they can return to work ready to be an even better educator. This is also time that parents at home with their kids can really appreciate all teachers do!

6. Making connections

Reddit text: I love the students. Making those connections - I really love it. It's my favorite part. I into into teaching trying to be the adult I needed in my own life. A really silly one - it keeps me updated on the latest slang.

Even if you only have a student for one year, you are a powerful influence! Once you get past how gross and obnoxious kids can be, you really get to know each child and can be exactly the person each needs at that moment. The kids will become who you need as well.

7. Getting heartfelt thanks

Even with middle schoolers, one of the best things about teaching is the kids: Reddit text: This is my 6th year. I actually really love my job. I love getting notes, pictures etc from the kids. I teach middle school art.

Nothing comes from the heart more than a note or drawing made by a student specifically for a teacher. Kids make these because they admire and love their teachers and it will warm your heart every single time.

8. Influencing their futures

Reddit text: The kids you would throw down for who want to apply for special academies, and they come ask you for a reference letter. I have 6/162 kids I would do this for, and 3 asked me for letters this last month. It was so beautiful that I got to write these letters. I cried joy knowing they have interests and are growing and finding what they want! I also cried with sorrow realizing I am over have over with my year with them (first year teaching), knowing full well they will get in and be off on a new campus - growing and learning their own interests.

Teachers are experts when it comes to the potential their students hold. When students ask you to help them further their education, you might cry tears of joy like this first-year teacher.

9. Finding out you’re good at being a teacher

Reddit text: Once you hit your

This may not happen your first year, or even your fifth year, but one year you’ll be able to stop working long enough to realize that you are an excellent teacher. It might be because you’re figured out how to leave work at school so you have a personal life, or it might be when you stumble across a wildly successful former student on social media and recall being their teacher. Whenever it happens, it is magical!

Luckily, there are so many more reasons to love teaching than these nine. When the days get long and the work gets hard, remember you are doing what you love and that you are amazing!

The best things about teaching according to Reddit