3 answers
Calvin
Student
Farmington, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
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Going into college, specifacally for a education major, what are major things I should prepare for?
As a junior in high school, I would like to prepared as I can be for what is to come. For example, what will my average day look like schedule wise? Or what would be the best classes to take as a senior in high school for next year?
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3 answers
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
202
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi, Calvin - we will always need people excited about imparting knowledge so it is great to learn about your interest in education. Niha has given you excellent advice for preparing for college, and I have posted a link below about what an education major entails.
I might also suggest taking courses in psychology either in high school or college. This could help you understand the stages of emotional development in your potential students as well as recognizing such states as anxiety or depression that may be affecting their performance. Also, if you would like to teach a specific subject, such as a science or history, you should take courses to build your expertise. Be aware that you will likely do student teaching so you will need to plan around it to meet your other graduation requirements .
Once you get into college, you may become fascinated by something else. Know that there are programs to help you become certified to teach even if you majored in something else as an undergraduate. Options range from the Teach for America program, to accelerated graduate programs, to emergency certification in high-need subjects or regions.
Good luck!
Read this article - https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/education-major-overview
I might also suggest taking courses in psychology either in high school or college. This could help you understand the stages of emotional development in your potential students as well as recognizing such states as anxiety or depression that may be affecting their performance. Also, if you would like to teach a specific subject, such as a science or history, you should take courses to build your expertise. Be aware that you will likely do student teaching so you will need to plan around it to meet your other graduation requirements .
Once you get into college, you may become fascinated by something else. Know that there are programs to help you become certified to teach even if you majored in something else as an undergraduate. Options range from the Teach for America program, to accelerated graduate programs, to emergency certification in high-need subjects or regions.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Niha D
Physical Therapist
60
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Niha’s Answer
So the specifics of your average day are going to completely vary from university to university. Some places have all educations courses in one building, others will have them spread across campus. Some places will have only one timeslot for a course, others will have multiple. Some will have a small class size and others will encourage large lecture halls.
The basics of your schedule will be that you should expect classes 3-5 days a week, ranging from 7AM to 7PM start times depending on the course. You may be expected to have some weekends free for trips to schools/educational facilities/group projects. As a high schooler, I would focus on figuring out your eating, studying, and hygiene habits. Start practicing them and learning them. Learn how to make basic food items and how to do your laundry/clean your own space. Learn how to manage those things alongside your studying. College is a new environment, and if you plan to live away from home, learning these habits early on will help save you a lot of stress later!
Class wise in high school, look into education courses, or classes that are offered that seem to focus on career paths in general. If you can/want to, look into classes at the local community college to get a few general credits (ie, basic math courses/english courses) out of the way so you can free up space on your schedule for more intense, education specific coursework.
The basics of your schedule will be that you should expect classes 3-5 days a week, ranging from 7AM to 7PM start times depending on the course. You may be expected to have some weekends free for trips to schools/educational facilities/group projects. As a high schooler, I would focus on figuring out your eating, studying, and hygiene habits. Start practicing them and learning them. Learn how to make basic food items and how to do your laundry/clean your own space. Learn how to manage those things alongside your studying. College is a new environment, and if you plan to live away from home, learning these habits early on will help save you a lot of stress later!
Class wise in high school, look into education courses, or classes that are offered that seem to focus on career paths in general. If you can/want to, look into classes at the local community college to get a few general credits (ie, basic math courses/english courses) out of the way so you can free up space on your schedule for more intense, education specific coursework.
Jasmin Garcia
Accounting
3
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jasmin’s Answer
Hello Calvin,
I hold a minor degree in Education. My academic journey mainly revolved around psychology and education subjects, with a schedule of about 3-5 classes every week. But, learning wasn't just confined to the classroom. We were encouraged to spend around 20 hours a week as teaching assistants at local schools. This wasn't a strict requirement, but it was strongly suggested because it provided a wealth of practical experience.
If you're considering a similar path, I'd suggest enrolling in psychology classes during high school, or any other classes related to the specific subject you're interested in teaching. This early exposure can be a great advantage.
I hold a minor degree in Education. My academic journey mainly revolved around psychology and education subjects, with a schedule of about 3-5 classes every week. But, learning wasn't just confined to the classroom. We were encouraged to spend around 20 hours a week as teaching assistants at local schools. This wasn't a strict requirement, but it was strongly suggested because it provided a wealth of practical experience.
If you're considering a similar path, I'd suggest enrolling in psychology classes during high school, or any other classes related to the specific subject you're interested in teaching. This early exposure can be a great advantage.