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How do I decide which grades I would want to teach? #Spring25

I'm going to grad school next year for art education, and don't know which grades I want to end up teaching.

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Katie’s Answer

Hi Naomi,

Great question! Here's what you can do:

1. Try teaching or interning at different schools—elementary, middle, and high schools.
2. Consider becoming a substitute teacher for a paid opportunity. It's a great way to learn without a long-term commitment.

These steps will help you find out which age group you enjoy working with the most. You might be surprised by what you discover. It's definitely worth exploring to see what feels most fulfilling for you as an educator.

Best of luck with everything!
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Elizabeth’s Answer

Hi! I was a High School English teacher when I started my career. Your choices will typically be Elementary Education (K-6) or Secondary Education (7-12). With Elementary Ed, you learn a generalized curriculum for all academic subjects and may be placed in any of the grades K-6. With Secondary Ed, you typically choose a subject to focus on (Math, English, History, Foreign Language...). Here, you will be placed anywhere the school needs you within the 7-12 grade range. Things to consider
- Do you like young children? Are you comfortable with them?
- How do you feel about teenagers? Relatable?
- Is there a subject you like, or do you prefer general studies?
Substitute teaching is a good option if you already have a Bachelor degree as most schools require some sort of higher education.
Check out the job market for both age groups in your area to see if there's a greater need in one vs. the other to help you determine your likelihood of getting a job offer.
Lots to consider! Babysitting, volunteering at teen events, and such activities might also shed light.
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Elishah’s Answer

Unfortunately, new teachers often do not get to choose the grade they will teach. School districts and administrators typically decide. They can also move teachers from one grade to another from one school year to another as needed. Also, elementary school music programs are more focused on general knowledge and concepts, while high schools have more specific, specialized instruction, so academic backgrounds and extracurricular experiences beyond basic degree requirements can impact hireability and personal choices regarding the grade levels you may want to teach. It might be better initially to consider whether you want to teach in elementary, middle, or high school and then go from there.

I hope this helps,
E.F.
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