<p>Okay, so, I'm a bit confused on deciding what major to choose. What I want to do is a double major in elementary education and an art, preferably illustration. What I hope is that I'd be able to be either an art teacher in elementary school or an gen. elementary school teacher, and be able to maybe do some illustration work on the side. But is that practical? Would I be able to do that with my majors, or should I choose a different path? With the illustration major, there'd be some focus on technology, which would benefit me (I hope) in teaching, while the combination of elementary ed. and illustration would help me understand children's art better, making me a better candidate. Well, that's what I hope. In reality, what would be best for me?</p>
<p>The alternative would seem to be a major in art education (if the schools that interest you even offer that major), but that might not qualify you as a general elementary teacher, in case an art teacher position wasn’t available. So, I think your plan of two separate majors is more practical. Also, an art education major might give you less training in specialty areas of art than just an art major. If you want to work on the side in art, the more in-depth training of a regular art major would be more useful than an art education major. In your art courses, though, you could include some coursework in art education, if any such courses are available to you.</p>
<p>Major in something like education or communications. You can always choose what kind of teacher you want to be later.</p>
<p>Make appointments with the art teacher at your old elementary school, and with the principal. Then sit down with each of them, and ask their advice about the best way to enter this career field. Each state sets its own requirements for teacher certification, so it is hard for any of us to advise you. Among others,your options include: a K-12 Art specialist program: an El Ed program with extra art specialization; art degree followed by an El Ed teacher certification program; and a double major in art and El Ed. </p>
<p>The best teacher training programs get their students into the classroom early and often, so that the trainees can observe good teachers in action and so that they are fully aware of the realities of the career well before they graduate. Make sure that whatever pathway you choose to follow will provide for this kind of practical experience.</p>