<p>I want to be certified to teach both english and theater in high schools. Would I double-major in secondary education and theater, and then get my teachers certification, or would that be the wrong way to go?</p>
<p>Why are you double majoring? What is your fallout option if you don’t become a teacher?</p>
<p>And I’ve never heard about someone who teaches both English and Theater. Do you want to work at a smaller school? If you were to double major, which I am not sure is the right way to go, I think it should be in something like English, sociology, psychology, history, communication or even poli sci as they offers a broader base that would be useful in teaching high school. I know a lot of teachers who switch subjects or don’t like how their school district handles their curriculum and switch subjects. My AP government teacher is now a world history teacher. I know they are related, but don’t pigeon hole yourself into specific subjects. </p>
<p>It’s been my experience with theater teachers is that they were in the theater before and become teachers later, not specifically teachers who ‘specialize’ in teacher. </p>
<p>Since you’re surrounded by teachers (or professors) all day, are there any you are close with to get their opinions? As strong as the community here is, getting advice from people who are in the ‘industry’ can’t be beat.</p>
<p>At my college you could not just major in elementary or secondary education - you HAD to choose another major to couple it with. Some schools let you just major in education (elementary or secondary ed.). Depends on the requirements.</p>
<p>Music teachers often take over the theater department in high schools, unless you volunteered to help out with it. Not sure what kind of school you’re looking to teach at, but not many have serious theater classes at the high school level unless it’s a private performing arts high school, or a very large high school and a wealthy district. Usually they just offer after school clubs, which would probably welcome your help dearly as it is a lot of work. </p>
<p>I would suggest majoring in English if you want to teach English as your primary subject in secondary ed. Elementary ed. majors usually have more freedom to major in psychology and other general studies because they typically teach multiple courses at the elementary level, while high school teachers tend to specialize more. But as blueapple said, you are not forced to teach English forever just because you majored in that in college.</p>
<p>I think you are on the right track. I moved a lot and all of the HS Theatre teachers I knew also taught something else for 4 periods. Maybe if you were also the English teacher you could ignite passion for Theatre in your students, get the parents to form a booster group and make your HS version of Glee ;)</p>
<p>Good luck, follow your dream!!</p>