I am someone who has many different interests and no particular talents. I started out college as a Journalism major, switched to a double major of Creative Digital Media (the artistic side of news reporting so photography/video) and Graphic Design and now am having major doubts. Graphic Design is not really something that I see myself having a passion for but I know I cannot get by with just Creative Digital Media (essentially photography) major. I am considering doing art education because I always loved my art teachers and think it would be a fun occupation to have even though you do have to deal with those problematic children and everything. As far as experience with school aged children goes my entire senior year and the summer before college I worked 5 days a week at an after school daycare from 2:45-5:30 with children K-5 so I do have experience with the youngest crowd. I am just really on the fence and unsure if what I am doing is going to turn out good in the long run. Are there any teachers out there that think teaching is the way to go or not to go? I feel like I am going to miss out on the adult world of working in an office and having office parties and stuff like that. Part of me never even wanted that to be part of my job but also I think it would be an interesting experience to have. Help! I have no idea what I am doing!
How about you switch to art education AND add a business minor?
Regardless make sure to include digital art, graphic design, multimedia. This can come on handy in many situations and positions.
If you are not truly passionate about teaching, you shouldn’t enter the profession. There are very few art ed jobs, and we already have enough teachers that never truly wanted to teach in the first place anyway. “even though you do have to deal with those problematic children and everything” is not a good sign here. You will have to deal with students of many ages, talents, and differing abilities that you may or may not find “problematic”. Take a long hard look at what you want from your job and compare this to the pros and cons of teaching to help you decide on that path. Are you ready to dedicate time outside of contract hours to grading or lesson planning? Are you prepared to accommodate all students in your classroom? These are the types of things you should consider.
My D was passionate about teaching - right up until she quit and left the field after one year of teaching. She has a masters in sped, passed her licensing exams with ease and secured a good job easily. The reality was not what she envisioned and, like so many millenials, she decided she wanted to do something else. She’s still in the education business, but now she teaches teachers how to use the software products her employer makes.
If you already don’t really have a passion for teaching, don’t do it. It’s tough enough for those who thought it was their destiny.