<p>I've decided to major in English, and I've also decided that I definitely prefer the literary aspect of it. I hope to teach college level English literature at some point, so I will definitely be going to graduate school, but the college that I am attending for undergrad has four options for English majors: education, writing studies, literary studies, and writing/literary studies. I am on the fence between education and literary studies. I asked my school librarian (who has taught every age group from junior high to college students), and she said that it's obvious which college professors majored in education to begin with, because they're better teachers, but those who majored in literary studies and the like to begin with know more about the subject. In addition, I am aware that there is more job security if I can teach both high school and college, but I am the sort of person to prioritize learning over financial safety. Any thoughts, comments, suggestions, etc.?</p>
<p>DO NOT MAJOR IN EDUCATION.
If you want to teach at the college level, you should avoid education classes at all cost. Education classes are designed for high school teachers, and education major has nothing to do with teaching in college. Personally speaking, I can’t handle kids, American kids in particular. Teenagers annoy me greatly; American teenagers, horror of all horrors.
As a fellow English major(comparative lit) who also dares to pursue the tortuous climb of ivory tower that is academia, I know for a fact that you don’t need to be a great teacher to teach at college. Have you ever encountered one of those english professors whom just can’t teach? I have, but I love her since her research is brilliant.
But if you want to develop your skills in teaching classes, considering becoming a TA, you can go ask your professors whom you have close relationships about the possibility of a TAship.</p>
<p>As pharmakeus01 mentions, the undergraduate Education track is for primary and (in some states) secondary level teachers. Fortunately, as long as you steer clear of that, there’s no hurry to decide which track you’ll focus on. For secondary education, the MEd is becoming the generally preferred credential these days, so you’ll be able to do a full undergrad major before you have to choose a teaching/graduate track.</p>
<p>But… since you already know teaching and/or grad school is in your future, you should make room in your curriculum for a modern language (e.g. German). You’ll need it for regular graduate school as one of your research languages anyway and if you find you’re tending toward secondary education you can make sure you have enough background to earn a certification in the language. Although teachers are generally in fairly high demand, English is not necessarily one of the in-demand fields so any additional credentials you can bring to the interview table will enhance your chances (and paycheck).</p>
<p>Finally - be aware that at the college level there is an enourmous oversupply of PhDs in all the humanities. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>