Secondary Teaching vs. Elementary Teaching?

Question

I am highly considering teaching, but do not know whether to go into secondary or elementary. My main concern is job availability. I was considering biology education, but know at my personal school we only have one biology teacher and fear I will be unable to successfully find a job in the future. Is there a way in college to get certified in teaching 2 subjects-- like biology/earth sciences? Or in the future will elementary teaching present greater job openings? Based on personal experience, which way do people think is the route to go? Any insight is greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

It depends when you'll graduate. I think early childhood or early elementary is probably the best right now as there is this "semi baby boom". there shouldn't be a lot of high schoolers or will not be a lot of them. in general though, there wouldn't be many children at all as families are getting smaller. so teaching adults is probably the best way to go.

I personally don't go by the job availability. I personally prefer higher level because I don't want to waste time wiping their urine nor watch them cry.

Answer 2

In some states and elementary ed degree  allows you to teach 1-5 at least and through 8th grade for the subjects that you have more classes, like science.  Unless you are sure that you want to teach high school, I would recommend that you start there.  It would give you the qualifications to teach elementary and early secondary - middle school or junior high.  You could check with you're local school district to find out the requirements for elementary vs. secondary.  I've taught 2nd through 8th grade with an elementary degree so I've had some experience with both secondary and elementary.  I found that it gave me more flexibility.

Answer 3

If you major in biology, you most likely will teach secondary.  The advantages to secondary are that you usually teach the same subject area to all students (Science) and typically have about 3 preps per day (ex:  Honors Bio, Adv. Bio, Bio OR Bio, Earth Science, Chemistry).  These are just examples.  Preps are the lesson plans you create for your classes.  If you go the secondary route, major in biology and minor in another science.  This will allow you to pursue dual certification.

You can still teach elementary school if you major in Biology.  You will have to take and pass the science subject area test for grades 1-6, which covers both how to teach science and questions about all the science disciplines taught in grades 1-6.  Many schools today have subject specific teachers in grades 4 - 5 or 4-6, so you would be able to find employment.  However, you would be at a distinct disadvantage without the elementary education coursework (the classes that teach you how to teach) that other teachers have taken.

From personal experience, you have to first pick what you love to teach.  Then pick the age group you THINK you want to teach.  I found out the hard way 2nd grade was not for me, but my niche was middle school.  Then take all the education courses you can in order to be flexible in which jobs you will qualify for.  The more areas in which you are qualified to teach, the greater your job opportunities will be.  Good luck!