<p>Hello all,</p>
<p>I am currently an undeclared freshman at Northeastern. I came here having some interests, but not being entirely sure of what I want to study. I thought that co-op would help me to figure out what I may want to do with my life. However, after much soul searching and thinking I am not pretty sure that I want to major in History and minor in Education. I was wondering if anyone knows about the School of Education at Northeastern? What is it like? Is it any good? What types of Co-ops do students in it generally have? </p>
<p>I've read a bit about a program in which I could graduate within the five years with a BA in History and an MAT in Education. This is something that definitely interests me, but I'm unsure because I've heard the education department is only so-so here. I also have heard that the main focus is on urban and inner city schools, which I am not opposed to, but I do not want my options to be limited. I'm considering transferring to a school that may be better suited for studying to become a teacher (among other reasons). I'm just hoping I could get some feedback on the program here. Any help would be appreciated.</p>
<p>I haven’t taken education classes in a while, so I’m not going to address that.</p>
<p>But as for the “urban and inner city schools”, no offense, but that’s where you are. Education minors- and especially MAT students- have to do teaching assignments and volunteering positions. You get placed in schools in the area, and Northeastern is surrounded by plenty of “urban” school systems. But Boston also has great schools. So while the schools may be underfunded- like every single school in the country- plenty of Northeastern students teach at the charter schools or magnet programs.</p>
<p>But the education program is not for the faint of heart. The first class you have to take is especially… intimidating to some. My professor showed us a video of a first-year teacher crying to her webcam because of how cruel the kids were. Teaching is a really hard profession, and the professors make sure that those with vague ideas about it leave the program. BUT if teaching is really what you want to do, then it’s great. You aren’t going to get to teach at some rich school in Newton, but you’ll get to teach kids in Dorchester from Cape Verde how to read. It’s pretty awesome. Besides, a lot of new teachers end up getting placed in low-income schools anyway. I’d rather have the experience there as an aid than just thrown in after taking a few education classes at a suburban state school.</p>
<p>Also, I would think that transfer of skills from inner city to suburban skills is a lot easier than the other way around. If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.</p>
<p>Are you planning to live in MA? Generally I always think that if you’re going to study education, that is something to think about. You will have to fulfill the requirements of the state in which you want to work.</p>