I am currently a sophomore science major, but my career goal is to become a science teacher. I could very easily switch my major to science education and graduate with licensure. However, I hear more and more that employers prefer teachers with a degree in a subject, and this route would not allow this. Also, I would be able to take no science electives outside of the requirements for the BS ed due to time constraints (which really bums me out, because there are SO many classes I feel I would miss out on!)
I could always get my science degree and then go for my masters in Ed, but I am also told that districts don’t like someone who they will have to pay more with little experience. So, I was thinking teach for America might be a good option for me (I have an interest in teaching urban schools as it is) but I am concerned that I will not be accepted. And if I’m not accepted, I’m back to having a science degree but no credentials and needing a masters.
My main questions are: which path makes more sense: switching majors now, keeping my major and getting a masters, or trying for tfa later? Is anyone alumni that can give advice on getting accepted/their experience?
@AwesomeAxolotl The reason I ask is because it really depends on the state you want to teach in. Some states require a masters, others are fine with just a bachelors. I’d do a little research in the area you might want to teach in. Also, I’ve heard mostly bad things about TFA, stemming from the idea that they don’t give you much preparation, then stick you in the worst classrooms which is unfair to both you and the kids. But there are definitely people out there who have had fine experiences in TFA. In general, I’d say it glosses over the extremely rough parts.
You want to teach Science-- any particular science?
Physics teachers can be nearly impossible to find. Bio teachers, on the other hand, are a dime a dozen (since every wanna be doctor who ever changed his mind switches to Bio ed.)
My advice, if you want to teach high school science, is to concentrate on becoming certified in Physics and/or Chemistry. High school teachers need to know their content cold, so I would major in, say, Physics, and then take the necessary Education classes to achieve licensure.
I’m not a big fan of TFA, for the same reasons outlined in the previous post.
Other things you can do to help your chances of getting hired:
Make connections. In every school in which you observe, get to know people. Ignore anyone who advises you to avoid the faculty room-- that’s where we as teachers get to know each other. And turn off your phone-- be there, in the moment, getting to know the teachers and what they do.
PLEASE give some thought to extra curricular!!! The reality is that schools don't function from 8-3-- most have an entire second half of the day that happens after classes end. What would you be prepared to coach or moderate? What activities did you participate in in high school that you would be willing to moderate? From debate to sports to Academic Quiz Bowl to yearbook, schools are looking for teachers who can also moderate and coach. If you can get involved in a local school on some level now, it will provide valuable experience and connections down the road.