5 answers
Alexis
Student
Washougal, Washington
1
Question
Asked
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For a teaching career, how do you recommend going about deciding what you want to teach (grade, subject, etc)
I am still a teenager in high school, I want to go into teaching but I’m not sure how to choose specifically what/who I want to teach
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5 answers
Emily Lindberg
Teacher
20
Answers
Salem, Oregon
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Fantastic question! It's great to see you thinking ahead. One approach you could take is to volunteer in various environments such as classrooms, summer camps, sports teams, or after-school activities. This will give you a chance to interact with different age groups and discover where you feel most comfortable and effective.
In college, teaching practicums usually focus on three main age groups: Early Childhood (preschool age), Elementary, and Secondary (middle and high school). From there, you can start to specialize. For instance, if you have a passion for math and enjoy teaching older students, you might want to pursue an endorsement to teach math at the secondary level.
Speaking from my own experience, I initially thought I wanted to be an elementary teacher. However, after volunteering in various settings, I realized that high school was a better match for my skills and interests. I've always been fascinated by history, so I decided to get my endorsement in secondary social studies. Another advantage of a secondary credential is that it allows you to teach at both middle and high schools!
Remember, flexibility is key in teaching. Within each age group, you may not always get to choose the exact grade level you teach. I've taught classes ranging from 9th to 12th grade, depending on the needs of the school. But that's part of the adventure of being a teacher - every class brings new opportunities and challenges!
In college, teaching practicums usually focus on three main age groups: Early Childhood (preschool age), Elementary, and Secondary (middle and high school). From there, you can start to specialize. For instance, if you have a passion for math and enjoy teaching older students, you might want to pursue an endorsement to teach math at the secondary level.
Speaking from my own experience, I initially thought I wanted to be an elementary teacher. However, after volunteering in various settings, I realized that high school was a better match for my skills and interests. I've always been fascinated by history, so I decided to get my endorsement in secondary social studies. Another advantage of a secondary credential is that it allows you to teach at both middle and high schools!
Remember, flexibility is key in teaching. Within each age group, you may not always get to choose the exact grade level you teach. I've taught classes ranging from 9th to 12th grade, depending on the needs of the school. But that's part of the adventure of being a teacher - every class brings new opportunities and challenges!
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Alexis, you're asking a question that many, if not most teachers already entering the field are still asking themselves. The only way to get a sense of what age group suits you best is through experience. Babysitting helps, but it's really volunteering and student teaching that will really start to clarify it for you. And that's okay. You very likely won't have first choice as to your assignment in your first year of teaching anyway. Each age has its benefits and limitations depending on the individual teacher and her/his skills, interests and style, but any good teacher can focus on the benefits. You can look into the curricula for each grade in your local school district, to start to get a beginning sense of what it would be like.
When I went into teaching, I never expected to be drawn to preschool. My first student teaching placement was with kindergarten, and I thought, going in, that I would get it out of the way before moving up to "real teaching." Instead, I found myself moving down in age. There was probably a good psychological reason having to do with my own childhood experiences, but that became my specialty. So you never really know until you try. The only hint I can give you is that if you expect students to sit and listen to you lecture, you wouldn't be cut out for the early grades, and if you are drawn to the idea of teaching the whole child instead of "subjects," then they might be.
As to what you want to teach, if you're teaching elementary grades you'll be teaching everything, unless you want to become a specialist in art, music, speech/language therapy, etc. If you do have a passion for one particular subject, maybe consider middle school or high school, which are more designed for separated subjects.
When I went into teaching, I never expected to be drawn to preschool. My first student teaching placement was with kindergarten, and I thought, going in, that I would get it out of the way before moving up to "real teaching." Instead, I found myself moving down in age. There was probably a good psychological reason having to do with my own childhood experiences, but that became my specialty. So you never really know until you try. The only hint I can give you is that if you expect students to sit and listen to you lecture, you wouldn't be cut out for the early grades, and if you are drawn to the idea of teaching the whole child instead of "subjects," then they might be.
As to what you want to teach, if you're teaching elementary grades you'll be teaching everything, unless you want to become a specialist in art, music, speech/language therapy, etc. If you do have a passion for one particular subject, maybe consider middle school or high school, which are more designed for separated subjects.
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
162
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Alexis, thanks for getting in touch with us. That's an excellent question! Usually, we delve into a student's interests, the driving force behind their desire to teach, and their interaction with others. Many students feel drawn to the subjects they loved during their foundational education years. For instance, if mathematics sparks your interest, you could potentially become a fantastic Math teacher.
Another aspect to consider is your comfort level with different age groups. Do you have the patience required to guide young children, or do you prefer interacting with older students, like those in high school? These are crucial questions that anyone envisioning a career in teaching needs to ponder.
If you choose to walk the path of becoming a teacher, rest assured that comprehensive training awaits you. This training will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful educator. You'll undergo various types of training designed to refine your abilities, ensuring your success in the noble profession of teaching.
Interview someone who is a teacher in grade school, high school or college to have a well-informed decision as regards to your interests of becoming a teacher.
Visit your counselor or career counselor for some assistance regarding your career explorations.
Another aspect to consider is your comfort level with different age groups. Do you have the patience required to guide young children, or do you prefer interacting with older students, like those in high school? These are crucial questions that anyone envisioning a career in teaching needs to ponder.
If you choose to walk the path of becoming a teacher, rest assured that comprehensive training awaits you. This training will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful educator. You'll undergo various types of training designed to refine your abilities, ensuring your success in the noble profession of teaching.
Dino recommends the following next steps:
Leila Gh
teacher
7
Answers
Mountain View, California
Updated
Leila’s Answer
First of all, you should try to be placed in a context of teaching so close that you can see yourself and have a bit of a way to see if you like it or not. Many individuals that from the beginning want to teach after they get degrees and go to teaching, they found out that it is not the way they imagined it so it would be difficult to stay with a teaching career.
secondly, depending on the states in the US, you should do research what are the exams you should take to earn a particular teaching degree. If you want to teach single-subject or multiple subjects, they all have their own exams.
Thirdly, as far as your interest goes consider your abilities, passions, and the reason that you think you can do better in that particular field or subject. You can also do some research and hear about others' experiences on YouTube many generous people share their experiences about teaching and how to start.
Lastly, if you want to teach K-12 as a single subject like a speech/debate teacher, chemistry, or biology teacher you should have a degree at least a bachelor's from a university, but for elementary teaching you can do it as I explained in the second paragraph. Good luck and hope this is helpful.
secondly, depending on the states in the US, you should do research what are the exams you should take to earn a particular teaching degree. If you want to teach single-subject or multiple subjects, they all have their own exams.
Thirdly, as far as your interest goes consider your abilities, passions, and the reason that you think you can do better in that particular field or subject. You can also do some research and hear about others' experiences on YouTube many generous people share their experiences about teaching and how to start.
Lastly, if you want to teach K-12 as a single subject like a speech/debate teacher, chemistry, or biology teacher you should have a degree at least a bachelor's from a university, but for elementary teaching you can do it as I explained in the second paragraph. Good luck and hope this is helpful.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3928
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Alexis,
Choosing What to Teach in a Teaching Career
When deciding what to teach in a teaching career, there are several factors to consider to ensure you make an informed decision that aligns with your interests, skills, and goals. Here are some steps to help you determine what and who you want to teach:
1. Self-Reflection: Start by reflecting on your own interests, strengths, and passions. Consider the subjects or topics that you excel in or enjoy learning about. Think about the age group of students you feel most comfortable working with and connecting to.
2. Research Different Teaching Areas: Explore the various subjects and grade levels that teachers can specialize in. Research the curriculum, teaching methods, and job outlook for different teaching areas to get a better understanding of what each entails.
3. Gain Experience: Consider gaining experience through volunteering, internships, or part-time jobs in educational settings. This hands-on experience can help you determine which age group or subject area resonates with you the most.
4. Seek Guidance: Talk to teachers, school counselors, or education professionals about their experiences in different teaching roles. They can provide valuable insights and advice based on their own journeys in the field of education.
5. Consider Your Goals: Think about your long-term career goals and how they align with different teaching paths. Consider factors such as job satisfaction, work-life balance, salary expectations, and opportunities for growth and advancement.
6. Try Different Paths: If possible, try teaching different subjects or age groups through tutoring, teaching assistant roles, or extracurricular activities. This hands-on experience can help you determine which teaching path is the best fit for you.
7. Continuing Education: Keep in mind that your teaching career is a journey of continuous learning and growth. Stay open to exploring new subjects or grade levels throughout your career to keep your passion for teaching alive.
By following these steps and taking the time to explore your options, you can make an informed decision about what and who you want to teach in your teaching career.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
National Education Association (NEA) - The NEA provides valuable resources and information on various aspects of the teaching profession, including tips for aspiring educators on choosing a specialization.
American Federation of Teachers (AFT) - AFT offers insights into different teaching specialties and provides guidance for individuals considering a career in education.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - The BLS offers data on job outlooks, salaries, and educational requirements for different teaching positions, helping individuals make informed decisions about their career paths in education.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Choosing What to Teach in a Teaching Career
When deciding what to teach in a teaching career, there are several factors to consider to ensure you make an informed decision that aligns with your interests, skills, and goals. Here are some steps to help you determine what and who you want to teach:
1. Self-Reflection: Start by reflecting on your own interests, strengths, and passions. Consider the subjects or topics that you excel in or enjoy learning about. Think about the age group of students you feel most comfortable working with and connecting to.
2. Research Different Teaching Areas: Explore the various subjects and grade levels that teachers can specialize in. Research the curriculum, teaching methods, and job outlook for different teaching areas to get a better understanding of what each entails.
3. Gain Experience: Consider gaining experience through volunteering, internships, or part-time jobs in educational settings. This hands-on experience can help you determine which age group or subject area resonates with you the most.
4. Seek Guidance: Talk to teachers, school counselors, or education professionals about their experiences in different teaching roles. They can provide valuable insights and advice based on their own journeys in the field of education.
5. Consider Your Goals: Think about your long-term career goals and how they align with different teaching paths. Consider factors such as job satisfaction, work-life balance, salary expectations, and opportunities for growth and advancement.
6. Try Different Paths: If possible, try teaching different subjects or age groups through tutoring, teaching assistant roles, or extracurricular activities. This hands-on experience can help you determine which teaching path is the best fit for you.
7. Continuing Education: Keep in mind that your teaching career is a journey of continuous learning and growth. Stay open to exploring new subjects or grade levels throughout your career to keep your passion for teaching alive.
By following these steps and taking the time to explore your options, you can make an informed decision about what and who you want to teach in your teaching career.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
National Education Association (NEA) - The NEA provides valuable resources and information on various aspects of the teaching profession, including tips for aspiring educators on choosing a specialization.
American Federation of Teachers (AFT) - AFT offers insights into different teaching specialties and provides guidance for individuals considering a career in education.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - The BLS offers data on job outlooks, salaries, and educational requirements for different teaching positions, helping individuals make informed decisions about their career paths in education.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.