Help me decide: EC-4 or 4-8?

Question

I've alwyas wanted to have a positive impact in the economic and community development arena, so I decided to study public administration. Now, since I'm a native Spanish speaker living in Texas, I decided to focus on bilingual education.

I already started my training on bilingual teaching, classroom management, lesson planning, etc.; but I haven't decided whether EC-4 or 4-8 certification is a better fit for me.

Teachers, students, anyone: Please help me decide by comparing both levels. What do you like the most of each level? Which are the respective challenges?

Any comment will help!

Many thanks :)

Answer 1

I teach at the jr. high level.  For me personally, I like being able to teach one subject and have that strength.  I do better with the older children, as they are more self-sufficient, able to advocate for themselves, and be interactive.  With younger grades, you are more than likely going to teach most subjects with the same students all day.  Younger students require more of you, personally, at times.  It is all going to come down to which age you feel more connected to.

Answer 2

In Illinois it appears we have the best of both worlds... I have a K-9 certification.  I could have specialized, but decided I preferred to have more options when looking for a teaching position.  I wonder if Texas has anything similar.  Only you can really decide what group you'd like to teach of course, and I have found many positives for both the certification levels you mentioned.