Teaching Credential or not?

Question

An admissions counselor said I should major in English and Secondary Education and minor in Spanish, because I told him that I want to teach Spanish or English (or so I think), and that path at that college would provide me with credentials to teach both subjects at the High School level. Should I get credentialed through the college I attend by having secondary education as a part of my major? Or do it after? I don't want to limit myself by having my English emphasis Secondary Education, when there are emphasis's such as Creative Writing or Literature. I know I want to teach. But I really like to learn and there is such an appeal to all the possible learning options in English, Spanish, and Secondary Education. Suggestions? Past experience?

Answer 1

My degree is in English with Secondary Education.

You'll get PLENTY of English classes.  Trust me.

I would not leave college without my provisional certificate.  What if you don't go immediately for your master's (which, I assume, you would get in education)?

Answer 2

Get certified through the school.  If you don't, you will have to enroll in a teaching program later, paying thousands for it, and taking additional English classes.  An English literature degree does *not* provide you with the classes necessary for certification.  (Nor does CreatWrit.)  For example, there are specific courses, such as the teaching of writing and history of the English language, that are required of English Ed majors, but not English lit majors.