5 Ways to Teach as a Teaching Major - How to Make the Most of Your Degree

Teaching Major

Do you find yourself daydreaming about teaching as a career? Maybe you've taken your fair share of education classes and know that teaching keeps coming up again and again. If so, you're on the right track! It's natural to have questions when it comes to choosing your major, especially if you’re undecided on what career path to take. But don’t worry—there are many benefits to being a teacher as a major student. If you’re thinking about making education your specialty, keep reading for more information. From helpful tips to advice from other teaching majors, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about being a teaching major as an undergrad.

 

What is a Teaching Major?

A teaching major is a degree program you can choose if you want to become a teacher. This can be either an undergraduate or graduate degree, depending on your institution. You may also see the terms “education degree” or “educational studies” degree. You can specialize in many different subjects, including English, math, science, and social studies. This flexibility is one of the biggest perks of being a teaching major. You can learn the skills you need to become a teacher in the subject you’re most passionate about. If you’re not sure which subject you want to specialize in, you can also choose a general education degree with a teaching track.

 

The Benefits of Being a Teaching Major

- Career Security - One of the biggest benefits of being a teaching major is job security. In most regions, there are more job openings in teaching than there are qualified teachers to fill those positions. This means that you’ll have an excellent chance at getting the job you want, even if you’re a new grad. - Impact on Students - If you’re passionate about making a difference, being a teaching major can be extremely rewarding. You'll be able to share your knowledge and skills with students who may otherwise not have the opportunity to learn. - The Ability to Be Flexible - Some degree programs are more rigid than others, but being a teaching major allows you to be as flexible as you want to be. Depending on your program, you may be able-to choose your own grade-level and subject. Or, if you’re in a general ed program, you might be able to choose the career you’d like to pursue after graduation.

 

Tips for Teaching Majors

- Find Your Calling - If you’re wondering if a teaching major is right for you, the first thing to do is reflect on your interests and passions. If you’ve always been drawn to the idea of being a teacher, then it’s likely the right choice for you. - Get Hands-on Experience - One of the best ways to gain insight into what you’ll be doing as a teacher is to get hands-on experience in the classroom. If you’re able to do this as an undergrad, you’ll be leaps and bounds ahead of your peers as a new grad. - Choose Your Courses Wisely - Although they’re not required, many students choose to take education courses as a teaching major. This can be a great way to get a leg up on the competition and learn more about what you’ll be doing after graduation. - Consider Your Specialization - Depending on your program, you may be able to choose your own specialization. If not, you may be required to focus on a certain subject area.

 

3 Important Things to Keep in Mind Before Graduating as a Teaching Major

- You Can Always Teach Later - This may seem obvious, but it’s important to remember that you can always change your mind. Although the job outlook is excellent, you may discover that teaching is not for you. In that case, you can always find other ways to apply your skills. - You Need a Plan B - If you’re working on a teaching major, it’s a good idea to have a plan B in case you don’t get the job you want. This could mean choosing a different specialization, like administration or educational coaching. Or it could be something different entirely. - All Majors Require a Bachelor’s Degree - Some majors are more specific than others, but all require a bachelor’s degree. If you’re interested in becoming a teacher and you’re currently working on an associate’s degree, you should consider applying to a few different universities. You’ll need to apply for a teaching major and transfer over to a bachelor’s program. Your credits may not transfer, and it’s a long process.

 

Pieces of Advice for First-Year Teaching Majors

- Don’t Forget to Enjoy Your Major - Being a teaching major is a lot of work, but it’s important not to forget to enjoy the process. Enjoying your major will help you be more successful in the long run. - Start Taking Action - There’s no time to waste once you start your first year as a teaching major. Start applying to grad schools now if that’s your plan. Get involved with your department and local organizations—and start making connections. And don’t forget to enjoy your first year of college as much as you can. It goes by way too fast.

 

Conclusion

If you’ve been daydreaming about becoming a teacher, you’re in good company. Teaching is a rewarding and meaningful field that makes a real difference in the lives of others. If you’re interested in this career, you’ll need to choose a major that focuses on education. There are many benefits to being a teaching major, including career security, the ability to be flexible, and the chance to make a real impact on the lives of others. To make the most of your degree, it’s important to find your calling, get hands-on experience, choose your courses wisely, have a plan B, and start taking action as soon as possible.