<p>I've been thinking about something, after volunteering for an elementary school, how much I would love to be an elementary school teacher. I want to help all of those kids who get left behind, and nobody seems to know what to do.
I am a junior in high school currently, and I was wondering if there is anything I can do now, to better my chances of getting a job after college?
Is U of O a good school to go to for education? Are there any other good schools on the westcoast, that have a good education program?
My main reason for writing this though, is to find out what I can do to better my chances of getting a job outside of college. I know how hard it is for teachers to find jobs, and I don't want that to happen to me. Should I try to get my masters right after my bachelors? Is there any kind of internships I can do? Where could I volunteer? I would love if somebody could help me, thank you!</p>
<p>The best college for getting a teaching job, is the one that the largest number of teachers in the city/state/county where you want to work have graduated from. In other words, this is very much a regional thing. Each state has specific certification requirements, so if you graduate from a place in a different state you might need to take extra coursework before you can get a job.</p>
<p>Good teaching programs will have you observing classrooms starting the very first semester of college, and will have you participating in various kinds of teaching practicums (short-term “student teaching”) very soon after that. Read through the descriptions of the programs at the colleges that you consider, and find out which ones will give you more hands-on experience.</p>
<p>Since you like working with elementary school students, call up your favorite elementary school teachers, and make a date to sit down with them and get advice about how to enter this career. Talk with the elementary school principal as well, and find out what that person looks for when he/she hires people. They will have lots of good ideas for you.</p>
<p>Good luck with everything!</p>
<p>I don’t know the details, but the City Year program in our area has some high school students participating on a limited basis.</p>
<p>City Year is a program that goes into city schools and helps with one on one or small group tutoring, after care/home work help, day care services over spring breaks, etc. Many young adults use the program as a “Gap Year” activity between high school and college or right after college.</p>
<p>My advice is to look into your local summer programs for elementary kids and volunteer.</p>