Hi, I’m in the process of applying to different schools in the States and I had some questions about deciding which field to focus on. I’m completely set on studying as education major but I just can’t decide between elementary and secondary. I know that if I choose secondary, then I would have to choose one other subject which, for me, would be social studies. But which of the two would be the better choice? Please help:)
Well I can’t help with your interests but I can tell you that there are teaching areas that are not in demand (social studies for one, also English and basic elementary education-sorry!) and areas that are in demand (science and math, special education) so make sure you research to have a decent chance of landing a position after you graduate, or at least have a plan B.
Hope that helps
You definitely need to choose based on what you will enjoy most. Don’t worry about making the wrong choice at first - there is usually a large overlap in classes between education majors. It won’t be to hard to switch majors later if you change your mind.
- Questions to ask yourself about secondary: Do you like social studies enough to teach nothing else every day? Would you mind teaching the same lesson multiple times per day? Do you like teenagers? Would you be willing to teach middle school? Are you prepared for disillusioned students? Would you mind a larger amount of grading, especially regarding essays? Do you relate well to older youth?
- Questions to ask yourself about elementary: Would you mind teaching the same students all day for a year? Do you like young children? Would you mind never teaching upper level material? Do you like all subjects enough to teach them? Are you prepared to have gross moments when kids throw up on you, etc? Would you mind more artistic prep, where you have to create more hands-on materials? Do you relate well to young children?
I struggled to decide between teaching secondary English and elementary school, and I even contemplated a double major. Personally, I’ll be teaching elementary school, and will eventually gain certification in teaching ESL classes to young students.
You really just have to decide what the best fit for you is. Personally, I enjoy the dispositions of young children more. They make me smile and put my life into perspective. Also, I loved school most when I was in elementary school and want to recreate and give that experience to kids so that they grow up with the love of learning I have. Examine what you want out of teaching. What do you want to do for your students? This might help you decide which education track is better suited to you.
Good luck!
Are you international? You might have difficulty being hired by a school district in the States.
I’m a high school math teacher. Let me tell you a little about why I love my job.
- There's nothing in the world like dealing with teenagers. They're so full of life. They get my jokes, they're self sufficient, they're capable of being pushed intellectually. They know when to fool around and when to stop. For better or worse, they're the people they'll be as adults. I can't imagine teaching any other age group. Teens are absolutely the right age group for me.
- Every day, every period is totally different from the one before. My 8th period geometry class has a totally different vibe from 2nd period, and they're both light years away from 5th or 9th.
- I love teaching the upper level stuff. I've taught everything from Math 7 to Calculus...I'll admit that the 7th grade math almost killed me with boredom. I love the material I teach to the high school kids.
If you’re thinking Social Studies, know that you may be called upon to teach any course within that subject area. Our kids do a year of Global, a year of European, and 2 years of American History… how well versed are you in US history?? Know that you may also need to know the history of the state in which you’re hired. A secondary license (at least in NY) means grades 7-12, and 7th grade history is NY history (at least in my daughter’s school, not sure what it is in my school).
Yes, I am an international student but I’m not planning to stay in the States after I graduate. I plan on teaching at international schools (preferably Korea) all around the World:)