<p>I'm a freshman at Caltech and I've decided I want to teach high school physics. Should I transfer? Caltech doesn't have an education major, I don't think.</p>
<p>only transfer if you are having a problem with the school because education is something you can go to grad school for and not have majored in. Thats what i plan to do. So if you really really want to study education for four years go and transfer, but otherwise i dont think its necessary to become a teacher.</p>
<p>you're going to Caltech, exploit the amazing opportunities you have there. You can get a degree to be a teacher almost anywhere. You can only get a Caltech education at one place.</p>
<p>not to mention the fact that you are a freshman and will likely change your career path a half dozen times or so.</p>
<p>Check w/your advisor -- I know at that other Institute, there are options for getting certification though one means or another. (S would like to teach at the college level, but is seriously considering HS specialized programs as well, only in different subjects.) Why are you interested in teaching? Is there some way to carve out some time where you can get some experience doing this (a local school, tutoring) before turning your life upside down? (I know, easier said than done!) Many states will hire new grads with subject expertise and let them take the pedagogy classes in their first couple of years of teaching.</p>
<p>Your students would be forever grateful for having someone who really knows their topic, and with a Caltech degree, you could get hired into some of the really selective math/science HS programs. Question is whether it's worth staying at Caltech for another three years. There are easier ways to prepare to teach. Are you willing to give up your scholarship?</p>
<p>I think it is better to make career decisions on a positive
(because you like something) rather than negative (because you
don't like something) basis.</p>
<p>So if you are interested in teaching, there are surely
opportunities for you to get involved in tutoring at
local schools, or to high school students. Caltech has
a mailing list for this. It would let you test the waters
and see how you likes it.</p>