2 answers
Annabelle
Student
Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
1
Question
Asked
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What king of educator should I be/would I be best at?
I am a high school senior headed to college next year. I was thinking of majoring in History and Social Studies Secondary Education, because I love history and pairing it with education makes it a practical area of study in college. After thinking about it longer though, I think I would be a better elementary school teacher than a high school teacher. Is it better to pursue a career in something that I love, or something that I am good at? #Spring26
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2 answers
Cynthia Thompson
Higher Education Professional
15
Answers
Springfield, Illinois
Updated
Cynthia’s Answer
Hi, Annabeth,
Many people find it necessary to choose either a field they love OR are good at, due to family obligations, location, etc.
However, that is not your situation.
So, I recommend that you identify something that fulfills both qualities.
Speaking from experience as a second and third grade teacher, teaching elementary school is not for everyone.
That population needs professionals who love working with young people who need lots of care and guidance and in HIGH energy situations.
I'm not trying to talk you out of your choice - instead, I'm saying that if you are drawn to this profession, the field needs you!
To help you decide, think about how important the topic you are teaching is to you.
In the elementary grades, teaching children interpersonal skills is as important as teaching them math or science.
However, the focus on the content becomes more important as students move on to high school.
If you are passionate about history or social studies and feel strongly about teaching those topics , that may be where you belong.
I would recommend reaching out to an elementary school teacher and to a high school teacher you know and learning from them more about their experiences.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Many people find it necessary to choose either a field they love OR are good at, due to family obligations, location, etc.
However, that is not your situation.
So, I recommend that you identify something that fulfills both qualities.
Speaking from experience as a second and third grade teacher, teaching elementary school is not for everyone.
That population needs professionals who love working with young people who need lots of care and guidance and in HIGH energy situations.
I'm not trying to talk you out of your choice - instead, I'm saying that if you are drawn to this profession, the field needs you!
To help you decide, think about how important the topic you are teaching is to you.
In the elementary grades, teaching children interpersonal skills is as important as teaching them math or science.
However, the focus on the content becomes more important as students move on to high school.
If you are passionate about history or social studies and feel strongly about teaching those topics , that may be where you belong.
I would recommend reaching out to an elementary school teacher and to a high school teacher you know and learning from them more about their experiences.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Ashley Volpe
Customer Success Manager / Account Manager
6
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
I would say focus more on what age group you want to teach since that will determine how you manage your classroom and how you spend most of your energy. I totally get wanting to focus on the subject you love, but if you don't like dealing with middle or high school age students, you won't be happy, (however teaching the younger-end of middle school might be a good compromise!)