<p>I guess my dream job is to be a journalist, or to work for the government in some manner. However, given that these are very competitive fields (and journalism doesn't pay particularly well), I want to have another option on my plate. I've been told by several people that I'd make a good teacher, and the relative autonomy of teaching, being always surrounded by information, and the opportunity to impact children makes teaching seem like it could be a fulfilling path for me. I'm hoping to major in something other than education in undergrad, see where life takes me, and if things don't work out, or if I am not satisfied by my work, I wish to pursue education as my master's.</p>
<p>I am not sure what variety of teaching, though, would be best for me. I am strongest in history and English, however, I know these areas aren't in high demand. With a choice between the two, which typically has more openings? If anyone here has a degree in either or both, or has considered doing so, which do you personally believe would be more fulfilling? I love the idea of wrestling with current events, teaching children about our government, discussing great European philosophers, and assigning projects about foreign cultures, however, writing has always been my passion, and I love helping others improve their writing in style and content. I am, however, not that into classic literature. I receive high marks on literature assignments, but it takes me considerable effort to decipher Shakespeare and I am not energized by reading Milton. In an English Ed program, how much emphasis is on literature versus composition? Could a person be a good English teacher and not be enraptured with the classics? (I am somewhat interested in the classics, but I don't typically read them in my spare time. I like to discuss them on a general philosophical plane, but I'm not into obsessing over the significance of Virginia Woolf's decision to have Mrs. Dalloway buy flowers in her opening lines). Do you think that history or English is the route for me to go? </p>
<p>I've also considered special ed, in the aforementioned areas. As a person with a learning disability, I want to improve the accessibility of material for students, and help things click for those who are typically discouraged. However, I'm also aware that with special ed, you can get embroiled in legal issues, and there may be more disciplinary issues with some students. Additionally, I wouldn't get to explore ideas on as high of a level as I would with regular students. </p>
<p>Another route I'm thinking about is ESL. I've heard that Spanish knowledge is essential for ESL. Currently, I'm just taking French, but I hope to pick up some Spanish in college, and perhaps another language growing in demand, like Russian or Vietanmese. I know they say that ESL is an up-and-coming field, but at least judging upon my school district, there's only 1-3 ESL teachers per school so it seems as if it may be more difficult to find a job than in a more traditional educational field (at least in my region). I am very interested in learning about other cultures, so in that respect, ESL would be a good match. </p>
<p>So out of all the options I've listed--English, History, Special Ed and ESL, which do you think would be the easiest to find a job in and the best fit for me?</p>