im currently majoring in biology but thinking about switching my major over to psychology ( i was thinking of the health field before, its a long story). anyway, my university doesn't offer an early childhood education degree, only secondary education degrees, and i don't really want to transfer. i heard that you could earn your b.s. or b.a. and then get certified or get your masters...but then some other people also say that you must have a bachelor's in education. im really confused. i was thinking of doing a b.s. in psychology (i figured that my science courses from my bio degree shouldn't go to waste) and minoring in child studies (my college's version of "child development."). would this work? also, is it better to have a b.a. or a b.s., or does it not really matter? any info would help a lot. thanks!
2007-04-05 11:15:06 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
i live in ny state, so any state requirements would be helpful to know. also, im a freshman, so i haven't done too many science courses or any other courses that are too concentrated in one field
2007-04-05 11:16:11 · update #1
You have to at least major in elementary ed,--my mother answered that for me. She's a kindergarten teacher. Kindergarteners are funny, but icky. You get great health insurence though.
2007-04-05 11:20:10 · answer #1 · answered by colbyismyfriend577 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, it depends on the school and district. I know at most private schools, like Catholic schools and stuff, all you need is a Bachelor's in something...but not necissarily education. For example, you can major in Biology and still teach so long as you either get a teaching certificate or teach at a private school.
However, if you're planning on being a teacher for the rest of your life, you may consider transferring to a school that offers a degree in education. While it's not always a necessity, it's amazing what you can learn about teaching different age groups. Also, most schools with education programs require you get a certain amount of "teaching hours". They'll set you up with a school, and you'd go and be a teachers assistant. Lots of times you can get hired at that school after you get your degree.
Good luck, and i hope this helped.
2007-04-05 11:29:20 · answer #2 · answered by Amanda R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It definitely depends on state regulations. For instance, here in CA there is no such thing as a bachelor's in education, because teachers are required to have a degree in a subject.
If I were you I would look at the state board of education's website, and if that does not give enough information then you should ask a local school district.
If you go with psychology, BA might be better, because BS in psychology has more focus on neurotransmitters and brain functions, while a BA focuses more on behavior. But to get into education, either should suffice.
2007-04-05 13:53:01 · answer #3 · answered by jellybeanchick 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not sure what the requirements are for NY state but if you want to only do Kindergarten then ECE classes would be helpful. However, most teachers i know go for General Elementary so they can teach in any grade. My Credential authorizes me to teach any self-contained classes from Pre-K to Adult. I took ECE classes when i was @ the Community College and they helped with things later when i was working on my Credential. If possible, take some of those types of classes to get an idea of what kids are like at the different ages and what to expect behaviorally and developmentally. I would also suggest, if it's not a requirement and is offered, a Child Abuse class. I took one as part of my requirements when i was planning on majoring in ECE. It is something that was not required of Education majors (Elementary/Secondary) at the time and I think anyone who plans on going into teaching or working with children in any capacity should be Required to take it.
2007-04-05 11:47:49 · answer #4 · answered by Jen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To teach kindergarten you have to have a certification in k - 5 in which ever state you live in. To do early childhood education you only have to take classes do well in them and you will then be degreed in working in day care centers at a teacher or director or open your own. You can get a two year degree in early childhood education or a four year. that is up to you. No you do now have to have early childhood education degree to go into teaching kindegarden.
2007-04-05 11:34:38 · answer #5 · answered by babygirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I taught kindergarten many years ago. I quickly found that I was too smart to enjoy the routine of the kindergarten classroom. I went back to college and took computer programming classes. If I was in your shoes, I would not bother with taking early education courses because you will probably be bored stiff.
2007-04-05 11:19:53 · answer #6 · answered by Denise T 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My understanding is that you have to have a degree in education. Call the school district in which you want to work. They'd be happy to answer that question.
2007-04-05 11:19:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need kindergarten certification.. You also might want to take migrane 101, bodily fluid identification 363, fun things to do with wet pants and lice 464.. LOL.. Good luck!!
2007-04-05 11:22:04 · answer #8 · answered by Its me!!! :) 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you dont have to have a bachelor in education you just take classes onteaching and get testeed to see what grade levels you should teach
2007-04-05 13:28:04 · answer #9 · answered by ♥☺☼pEaCe☼☺♥ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do both. kids are off during the summer.. adjuncts work part time sessions in the summer.. best of both worlds!
2016-03-31 23:38:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋