How do you choose which grade to teach?

Question

I'm an education major and I need to declare my major for good in less than two semesters. The thing is right now I am an early childhood education major, but now I'm thinking of switching to an elementary major. I heard early childhood ranges from preschool-3rd grade. Then I heard it ranges form preschool-1st. The thing is I don't want kids too young or too old so I'm debating between 2nd-5th grade. How do you know what grade to choose?

Answer 1

In NJ, you can get a P-3, a K-8 or a 7-12.  If you are a "specials" teacher, i.e. art, gym, music, you get a K-12.  I would talk to teachers at different levels and find out why they love where they're at or why they don't like where they're at.  If you find yourself agreeing or disagreeing with them, it will give you an idea of where you want to be.  

I would also observe different grade levels, too.  I know it's a pain to do extra work, but if you're serious about choosing what's right for you, I think you should try it.  College lets out in May and school gets out in June, so you should have some time to spend a morning or afternoon here or there.  Make sure you schedule it on a day where they're not in specials all morning.

The last thing you need to think about is where you want to be in 20 or 30 years.  I teach 4's and I LOVE IT and can't imagine myself anywhere else.  But at the same time, I can't imagine crawling around on the floor and chasing them around when I'm 60.  And since I don't plan on retiring early, I have to figure something out.  If you plan on moving into administration, I think it's easier for the elementary teachers to make the move rather than the early childhood.  I guess they seem more authoritative.

Answer 2

Depends on where you are, how you make your choices while  still at university.  Where I am, you can get 1-4, 5-8, and must have special certifications for K and PK.  Once you sign a contract here, the administration can (and usually does) make the choice of which grade you will teach.   You are subject to being moved to where they want you within your qualified range, whether you want to or not.  Some districts allow teachers some say in what they teach--mine really doesn't.  Find out what the ranges are for various certifications for your state by talking with someone in the education department of your university or visiting your state education agency's website and looking under teacher certification/licensing.

Answer 3

In my state (Texas) early education / early childhood education goes from Pre-K to 4th grade.  I think that it really depends on your state, so I would check with your state education website.  In TX it's (K-4th Grade/ Early CH Edu.) then (4th- 8th Grade/ Secondary Edu.) and (9th-12th Grade/ High School)!

I think that choosing a grade is definitely important.  I love teaching 4 year olds- about 2nd grade, but for others it's only the older ones or even middle schoolers, whereas others love the little, little ones! It's really about finding your passion, working and observing with lost of different age groups and picturing yourself with that age group!  Good Luck!

Hope this helps!

Answer 4

no matter your major, most states make you get a teching credential before teaching k-12. preschool you just need 12 units in early childhood education to teach there. when yo udo the teaching credential you either choose elementary (k-6th) or secondary (jr high/high school). they ASSIGN you the grade level you teach but you have speciality in either the primary grades (k-3rd) in elementary school or the upper grades (4-6)...im in the teaching credential program right now =]

Answer 5

I would go by what ages you feel most comfortable with. I teach 3 to 6 year olds and work well with those ages. I wouldn't know what to do with older children! My BFF teaches 4th grade and loves it! Another friend tried to do kindergarten, switch to 3rd grade and had a hard time with both. She is now teaching middle school and has finally found her calling. Do you have relatives or friends that have children you work well with, feel at ease around? If so, I'd lean toward that age. You may also visit schools with the different age groups at see how that feels. Good luck!

Answer 6

In VA early childhood is (pre k -3)

I would observe different  grade levels to see which you like best. Maybe  work w/ different age groups over the summer and see if you have a favorite.  I love Kinders.

Answer 7

Montessori is divided up into age groups of 3 years:  Birth-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12-14, 15-18.

I just naturally connect better with the 3-6 age range than any other.  I enjoy that age range a lot.  I like 6-9 as well, but 3-6 just feels more like home to me.

You're going to be with a job for years.  Find which age you like the best and run with it.  You have plenty of time to train to teach another age if you feel inclined later in life.

Matt