Okay, some backstory. I’m currently a freshmen in my second semester at a cc hoping to transfer in the next year or so. I absolutely love english/history and was originally planning on majoring in English and minoring in History. Although it’s not set in stone I was thinking about becoming a teacher. The problem is that I don’t know what kind.
Obviously I know English/History but I’m stuck on the “level”. I know it’s different for every college and where you live but I just want opinions for the future.
Elementary [k-8 ?]
High school [9-12]
College Level
Thank you so much in advance!
Hey, also majored in English/History and currently teaching HS English.
Realize that elementary K-5 means you’re going to be teaching all subjects to the kiddos. 6-8, middle school, is when you’d specialize in one subject. I recommend spending some time in a middle school vs a high school because you’ll probably get a feel for which you prefer. They have their own pros and cons. Also, in NY at least, my certification is English 7-12 so I can teach middle or high school - I didn’t have to make the decision until it was time to start looking for jobs. College level is generally going to require a PhD, so think about whether that’s the path you want to take.
Thank you! I was a little bit confused [I just started to take an interest in Education and wasn’t exactly sure because the college I want to go to doesnt really tell me anything]
I was leaning toward middle or high school because I think it’ll be something I’ll like better. I know I’m asking a lot of question and this is kinda personal but do you have tips on how someone with serious social anxiety could handle teaching? I know I need to get help but have you ever heard/met someone with anxiety and still did well in teaching?
I was also interested going into the special education field [or at least doing something along that field] but didn’t know if I should stick with just a plain teaching degree? Sorry for all these questions!
If you have serious social anxiety, classroom teaching might not be for you. My D has no adjustment issues but found that she detested classroom teaching. She has her masters’ in special ed and is certified birth through grade 6 as she always knew she didn’t want to work with teens. She is currently looking for work as a SEIT or special education itinerant teacher, meaning that she works one on one with kids at their location per their IEPs. She loved when she taught resource room but the principal used her a sub whenever a classroom teacher was out. She declined my advice to grieve to the union and left the school instead.
You can take a basic education class. Most schools try to get students into the classroom as early as possible. My D said that many kids either dropped the major or switched to a different level after those first classroom experiences.