<p>It has become apparent over the course of my studies that I really, really don't want to be a public school teacher and hate the education major. It takes a certain type of person to succeed in this line of work and I am not one of them. Nor, as a matter of fact, am I personally invested in education, since my parents pushed me into it. </p>
<p>I am currently dual-majoring in education and German with a minor in Chinese, and I'm in my senior year. Next semester, however, is student-teaching, about which I am NOT happy. I could drop education and still graduate on time with a degree in German and a minor in Chinese and a lot less stress in my life. I could also use that last semester productively. </p>
<p>The problem is that I'd like to go into a PhD program, and don't want this last minute change to result in their not wanting me. What should I do? It's worth noting that student teaching is five days a week, eight hours a day, and I have to get there on my own dime. I'd have to quit my job, or scale back my hours an awful lot. Could I still get into grad school if I made this decision?</p>
<p>I understand where you’re coming from. I can’t see any point in doing the student teaching if you’re 100% sure you don’t want to teach. However, as someone who was in a similar situation and went on to get fully qualified (much blood, sweat and tears) having that experience actually got me a good job organizing student placements in a health professions program for a big college. It also meant I got a job doing TEFL at a Chinese college about 12 hours after posting my resume (had a great time) so it’s certainly increased my opportunities outside of the classroom too.</p>
<p>You say you want to go to grad school. What topic do you want to research? What do you want to do your masters in first of all? What do you want to do with your PhD?
Quitting your education major wouldn’t have any effect if your PhD isn’t in the same area. Bet you there’s plenty of college professors who wouldn’t want to be school teachers either. </p>
<p>If you can live without the handy fall back of a teaching credential (remembering how hard PhDs can be), then go ahead and enjoy final year :)</p>
<p>I REEEEALLY needed to hear that. I plan on pursuing Chinese and Asian Studies. I also plan on working myself like a dog this last semester. I don’t mind blood, sweat, or tears, provided that they’re directed towards something about which I’m passionate.</p>
<p>Thank you for your advice! I needed someone to tell me that things were gonna work out.</p>
<p>Oooh, I envy you! Very best of luck with your senior year and your grad school apps.</p>
<p>Yeah, just graduate in German and Chinese.</p>
<p>Why would Chinese PhD programs care if you dropped an ed major?</p>
<p>Not that I recommend a PhD program.</p>