<p>I see many schools offer a minor in education- what if any is the benefit of this minor? My D is looking at schools that offer a writing minor but is also thinking about getting a secondary ed degree. Unless she majors in english- she may have problems fitting the writing minor in. It would seem near impossible to get core classes, a subject major (math bio. chem etc) as well as a secondary ed major in 4 years and still fit in 6-8 writing classes for the minor. She really wants to take writing classes.
If she decides to choose to major in any other subject but English it seems the way to go would be major in her choice of subject ( her Math teacher really has energized her towards Math this year) and either minor or major in Writing. If she really wants to teach she can go for a Masters in Education.</p>
<p>Going for a Secondary Ed degree really limits your freedom to explore other interests it seems. Looking at many college course guides you need to commit very early to fit in all the classes. I think things like study abroad or internships must also be very difficult to fit in.</p>
<p>Teaching is a profession that requires an appropriate background and, yes, that does take some time and commitment. It is no longer easy to get a teaching certificate and a masters in education without the appropriate undergraduate courses and training.</p>
<p>edad- so if my D majored in Math and took minors in writing and education would she be qualified for for a Masters program in education. Or would she have to take more undergrad ed classes?</p>
<p>Each school has different requirements. As an undergraduate at Harvard, for example, your D would be in a program called UTEP in which she would need to fulfill some classes specifically about how to teach math, as well as the core math requirements. She would have to fulfill as well the core curriculum (general education) requirements. Many colleges offer minors, Harvard does not. Your D would need to apply into a M.A. program in education to receive the graduate degree.
Each school has different gen ed requirements as well as requirements for the major. You need to investigate individually.</p>
<p>I think that is a question for the specific school and their requirements. You are right about how hard it is to major in education and explore other subjects. My daughter (ed major) was determined to do an abroad to Peru but because of scheduling conflicts had to take 2 classes on-line and do an independent study to make up for the quarter lost while she was out of country. The credits that she earned for the abroad were ones that she already had. The experience though, was priceless.</p>
<p>At many colleges, my daughters included, ed majors must take a second major but are then forced to enter into the ed program from the get go in order to fit everything in. Sophomore year they are officially admitted but by that time they have taken a few ed required classes and passed the first teachers test.</p>
<p>Thank you for the replies. It seems that if my D wants to explore various subjects and enjoy other college experiences-study abroad- we may have to figure on 5 yrs of school. Unless she tests out of many classes or takes classes every summer.</p>