In many ways, today's teachers must not only instruct their students, but perform lesson plans in a manner that stimulates and takes hold of young minds. In the course of one school day, an educator may act as tutor, entertainer, counselor and reassuring friend to effectively communicate with students. Some find that imparting a permanent lesson or skill to another person is enough compensation for their hard work.

One teacher, who began her career after turning 40-years-old, finds that her need to teach is innate and undeniable. Sylvia Cadena, a teacher at Villacorta Elementary School in California, will be honored this week as her school district's Teacher of the Year, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports.

After carrying on a career as a stay-at-home mother, Cadena entered the classroom and began to implement innovative teaching techniques, such as creating a reading lab for students needing special attention in the subject area.

The educator soon was named the Learning Director at her school, granting her an administration position which seeks to help teachers improve their craft. Cadena told the news source, "I just really love teaching. I don't know how to turn it off."

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 479,000 new teacher positions will be created by 2016.