Does anyone know what it really takes to become a teacher?

Question

I am currently just starting college and i mean i just graduated high school one month ago and in one week i am starting college i know. Well i plan on majoring in teaching but i dont know a good subject to teach. I am really good at writing and i love grading and I am not too good at math but love history. I know run on sentance, any one have any advice for a sorta new teacher?

Answer 1

How about English with a minor in History.  Make sure you chat with your secondary ed department, they will help you find a very specific path for your teaching interests, i.e. observations, etc, and get you ready for the certification rules.

Have fun!

Answer 2

...persistence and patience, and importantly, knowledge and a true love of the subject you want to teach.....a sense of humor is key also.....

Answer 3

In the state where I teach (Tennessee), you must major in the subject you wish to teach, and minor in secondary education.  (Keep in mind that in TN and Ohio the minor is equivalent in credit hours to a major)  This qualifies you to teach 7-12th grade.  You will also have to take a National Praxis Examination.  (This is anywhere in the United States.)  You'll take a praxis exam in your major (ex. History) and you'll take another one called "The Principles of Learning and Teaching" which is an essay format exam.  You will have to have your degree and successfully pass those tests in order to receive a teaching "license."

As far as a major, you can complete your first two years of college and take your "Gen Eds" until you decide what you like.  Your general education classes are English, Math, Social Studies, etc.  (regardless if you're going into business, teaching, law school, etc. You have to have your general education classes.)  This will give you two more years to decide what you want to teach, or if you still want to teach at all.  Then, the remainder of college, you can just take courses in the subject your interested in.

I'm a World Geography teacher.  I chose geography because it contains everything in one subject.  It has history, cultures, geology, topography, economics, politics, current events, etc.  It's an all inclusive subject and you can really have fun with your lesson plans.  You can make the learning fun for your students and in turn, it's fun for you too.  If you're uncertain, try taking a geography class in college (Make sure you have a good professor.  A bad professor can ruin any subject.)

Answer 4

High school teacher is good!  They usually make more than an elementary school teacher.  They might even work a little less (I'm referring to school periods) but they still have grades to do, reports to write, meetings to attend, and parents to deal with.

If you can, major in a science.  Science teachers and math teachers always are in demand.  Unfortunately, there are an abundance of history teachers.

If math or science "isn't your bag," then try something more "exotic," like shop, home economics (cooking, etc.), and so on.

Or, become a social worker, guidance counselor, administrator, there are many positions in high school that work with kids.  See your school's career counselor for more ideas.

Good luck with your search!