Majoring in English?

Question

I'm currently at a crossroads with myself. I want to end up being a teacher at a community college (yes, a cc.). I haven't really found my knack in what I'm interested in. I've thought about everything, from History to Mathematics, Biological sciences, and English. Unfortunately, I've been making good grades in all my classes, with none being more interesting than the other. My Comp/Rhet and Comp/Lit classes were awesome because of the writing, which is what I would like to do when I am able to teach (have students write about certain topics).

Anyone have some insight into where and how you decide on the path of life in teaching?

Answer 1

First off, to teach in a community college you need a Master's degree. Master's degrees can be long and boring, so it's important that you do one in an area that really interests you. If that's English, then so be it.

Once you've finished the education relating to your degree, I suggest you do some "casual" teaching before committing to a "career" in teaching. I am in a B.Ed program, and about 10% of my classmates dropped out of the program in the first quarter because they found that teaching was nothing like what they'd imagined. Before I started the program (but after my first degree) I spent two years overseas teaching EFL, and that made me 100% positive that teaching is something I enjoy. If you don't want to go overseas, consider doing some tutoring with a company like Kaplan or Sylvan to determine whether or not you enjoy teaching.

Answer 2

My path was a convoluted one. I started as a dance teacher and choreographer, did that until I was 34 and my knees gave out. (I had been dancing since I was four). I then turned to English Literature and Secondary Education , Literature was my second love. I transfered the same teaching techniques from dance to Lit. It seems you like to write, I would stick with that. There are always jobs for composition teachers. Its demanding work.

Answer 3

i have a business degree, and discovered quite by accident i am extremely proficient at teaching chowder heads how to write well.

i have 2 years as a long term sub. it allowed me to decide what kind of subject and the grade levels i like.....
once you get your degree most states will let you sub. go to work tu and th, school mwf. while you are getting your certification.

math and science teachers are guarenteed work. english teachers are a dime a dozen. many states have fast track certification programs for m and s instructors.

what ever you do, enjoy, because i am sure you have had instructors that werent' enthusiastic about their dicipline and were boring. you don't want that, do you?

what ever rings your chimes is where you need to go.