Should I teach high school math or english, which praxis II tests are easier to master or pass?

Question

I am a sophomore in college. I've passed the Praxis I tests. Now I'm at a crossroads, i can either choose to major in math and and teach math by passing the praxis II or major in english and take, I think two praxis II tests for english. I used to enjoy writing a column once a week for a newspaper, and I enjoy reading James Lee Burke, Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown etc. My scores on the praxis I tests were higher in math though than they were in english. So, I need some advice, opinions, which route to take. I visited the praxis testing website and looked at the pdf files of practice questions. The math praxis II test looked rather difficult. Which praxis II test is easier to master/pass, the english (which involves critiquing a students' essays etc) and writing.

Answer 1

The other answers are correct in that going with your passion will help. However, there are other things to consider. Across the board, students have more difficulty with math than any other subject. However, that doesn't mean that teaching English will be easier because many students today do not want to read OR write. Also, as an English teacher you will have at least twice as much paperwork as other teachers because the majority of the assessments will be written. You will read and correct many more papers than a math teacher ever will. I know--I teach English and I'm married to a former math teacher. So, if teaching kids how to communicate more effectively IS NOT your dream job, choose something else. It is hard work. On the other hand, I could never teach math, especially geometry. I don't know where you currently live, but having both certifications will make you more employable. Although where I live, someone certified in math would teach math. My husband is certified in math and social studies, but he was only allowed to teach something other than math (American history) one year. He is now a principal.

Answer 2

The bar for a passing score on Praxis is really pretty low. You could probably pass either one if you study and prepare. There are usually more English teachers looking for jobs than Math teachers, so it may be easier to find a Math job. I think the actual teaching process would be more fun for English, but grading student essays is pretty horrible. My advice is to try to pass both Praxis exams and keep your options open.

I am a high school science teacher with 19 years of experience.

Answer 3

What you could do is go ahead and get the English degree/certification and perhaps get a minor in math (which might keep you in school just as long, depending on the program, I suppose). In places like NC, where I teach, once you have full certification in the one, you can obtain the other by passing the right Praxis tests. Alternatively, you could take courses toward licensure in the second subject while you are teaching the first. Do be sure you check on CA's standards for "highly qualified," what coursework it involves for either licensure as "add-on," or, if it only requires testing. Do be aware that things have changed with NCLB, and full licensure is not granted so freely as once it was, particularly in these core areas.

Answer 4

English

Answer 5

I don't think you should base your decision on which is "easier." Where does your passion lie? Which subject are you better at? Personally, there i no way I could or would want to teach high school math. You could pass either test if you prepared properly. Also, if you decide to change your mind in the future, you can always go back and take the other test.

Answer 6

Go with what you can see yourself teaching in 20 years. If English (reading and writing) is truly your passion, then do it! Don't judge your future career by how hard/easy a test is to pass!

Answer 7

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Answer 8

The english will be more subjective, (critiques can be explained) the math will be more objective (right and wrong answers) . Do what you know the best.