In the wrong profession?
Question by Bitsychan: In the wrong profession?
I’m an Elementary Education major. This means I’m going to be a teacher, and lately I’ve started wondering if maybe I’m choosing the wrong profession. Don’t get me wrong, I like teaching (or at least I think I do, but I’ve never really had my own classroom before), and I adore children, and I really like most of my classes! But lately I’ve been thinking of all the other things I love doing as well. Like singing. I LOVE to sing! And I also love to make movies and edit them, and cast them and such. I love to draw and make art, and do stuff like photoshop and graphic design. However…those aren’t things you can make a very steady living in, you know? I just don’t know if I should stick with what I am or not. I mean, for someone who likes the arts so much…should I have picked another major? I also worry that I won’t be able to control classroom behavior much (being sort of soft-spoken and 5′ 2″)…I dunno. What do you think?
I would love to be an art or music specialty, but I don’t know if there’s very much demand for those anymore, and I don’t know how to go about getting to be one. Any ideas on that as well?
I’ve been in the classroom, been a teacher’s aide, taught a few lessons and subbed a few times (but there was another adult in the room). I think I like it, but I’ve never been alone in the classroom before, or come up with my own lesson plans and taught them.
Oh. I’m a bit along in the major. I’m at my first cohort, if that means anything to you. And as I’ve said, I’ve had experience teaching, but never alone in my own classroom. I guess I’m worried that I’ll get in there by myself and think “Oh my gosh, what do I do?! What have I done?” I guess if that happens I could be a librarian. I subbed on my own for a school librarian for a few weeks, and worked a summer “job” for one a while back, and I really enjoyed it.
Best answer:
Answer by Ricky
OK > it’s normal to doubt your choices. But sooner or later you’re going to have to commit.
On classroom control, you’d be best to stick with K-3 in an average district. They are some what more malleable at that age. K-5 would probably be OK if you’re in a school that will not tolerate student disruption. I once sent a student down to the principal’s office, only to have him return immediately as it was my job to control the disruptive behaviors, not the principal.
On getting a teaching job >> some areas are flooded with applicants. In my state, 75% of the graduates do not find teaching jobs. You might want to scope out who’s hiring before you get into your student teaching.
You can still have your interests in other areas. Always good to have hobbies. But even if you have the skills, it would be hard paying the bills.
Alternatively, you could become an art teacher. I don’t know what the employment there is. Where I taught, there was only one art teacher who floated from building to building.
Good luck.
What do you think? Answer below!
