Getting my degree?

Question

I'll be graduating from community college and going to a university to get my bachelors in education. My question is: should I go into Secondary or Elementary? I go back and forth all the time. I know I can handle any age, I just want your personal opinion, what would you choose?

Thank you in advance your advice and opinions.

Answer 1

I'm not a teacher, but based on my experience as a student and a pupil, the teachers who really had a big influence on my character and values were my elementary teachers.. because a child, usually looks high upon her teachers..when the child is still young, its the time where a teacher can help the child develop a strong basic foundation for values and good education..if you want to touch your pupil's life this way and guide them well before they reach puberty, you can be an elementary teacher..

In my high school years, i was a bit of a rebel myself because i think my teachers didn't teach us enough..and i used to think that some of my teachers dint understand adolescents..we also used to think that our teachers were not smart enough and we knew better than her..maybe its because some of my teachers don't seem to welcome new ideas and concepts we learn from the TV, Internet, etc..etc..whew..but this is also the time students learn about bad vices, etc..this can be your chance to guide them to the right path..adolescents experience teen crisis one way or another..too bad some teachers are not patient enough to handle such situations..i know this is quite a challenge..if you have the patience and understanding, you can be a high school teacher..

Answer 2

It depends on your interests. If you aren't fussed about the age of the students you are going to work with, consider what you would most enjoy teaching. As an elementary teacher, you typically have the same students almost all day, every day, for the entire year. You have to teach every subject--reading, math, science, social studies, and more. If you do high school, you have many classes and often have students for only half a year. Generally you focus on one area you love (English, math, science, etc.) and teach in that one area. Some areas like art and music offer K-12 degrees.

Personally, I pursued elementary education and got a license to teach K-8. I ended up teaching ninth grade English and I love it.

Oh, if pay is a concern... I don't think it's any different between elementary and high school.

Answer 3

My personal opinion is valid only if I'm dealing with me, and I'm not, I'm dealing with your question. You wanted to know which would be best? Begin with elementary and when you get to your practicum, you will experience the day-to-day business of elementary school teaching. That is when you can make your decision. At that point, it is easy to switch over the Secondary, choose a speciality subject and pursue that career, if you wish. Or, if you really enjoyed the elementary experience, stay in that stream. It's really too early for you to make a decision yet.

Answer 4

Many people I know want to go into Elementary Education. I
think Secondary may be better, same amount of jobs but less
people applying.

Answer 5

in my teaching experience, I knew that I didn't want to teach the same kids all subjects all day long. special education in high school is where I found my place. it all depends on what makes you comfortable. do you have a passion for a subject area and want to go over it several times per day, then go secondary. it's a personal choice

Answer 6

It all boils down to what you really want to do. But, you can do what some teachers do. Most teachers like my 2nd grade teacher what she did was she taught elementry for about 5or 6 years and while she was doing that she was also takeing some night and online classes also to become a secondary teacher so right now she can do both.

What you can do is become a subsatute teacher. Usually they have subs. subing for different grades and that will give you some idea what YOU and YOU alone want to do.

Answer 7

As a teacher you need to be able to teach variety of ages. Which age group to feel the most comfortable with? Which age group do you find yourself keeping up with as far as things like games, fashion and sports. You'll learn alot when you do your student teaching. Alos, ask the people who know you best what they think. Teaching is a hard job and I'm glad you're thinking ahead. Good luck!!!

Answer 8

Elementary will be full of stress if you don't like dealing with short attention spaned young kids. Secondary will be full of stress if you don't like dealing with resistant rebels.