Most people grimace at the thought of returning to their awkward-filled high school years. However, education is one of the most fundamental and respected professions.
I chose to be an education major after I tutored underclassmen in high school and found that not only do I enjoy it, but teaching seemed to naturally suit me. Teachers develop hundreds of bonds with their students, making it one of the most fulfilling careers.
I say this despite relatively meager teacher salaries and the disproportionate amount of work that goes into the major and profession itself.
An Education Major is sometimes falsely thought of as an easy major because it focuses on hands-on practice and educational theory instead of “more complicated” subjects like some natural and social sciences.
But I think there is much more that goes into the major than it’s given credit for. Educators are dealing with the many social and emotional needs of students along with the actual class content.
An education major has to study different educational theories and teaching strategies along with the actual content area in which they specialize; in my case, history. On top of this, education majors must complete state-mandated and documented hands-on experience, or observation hours. For most schools, including Colorado Mesa University, you have to be accepted into the school’s Teacher Education Program as well.
The heavy workload is meant to simulate the different responsibilities educators are endowed with. A lot is expected from teachers that many might not consider.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts and entering the workforce, teachers are expected to create lesson plans, grade assignments, respond to emails and present themselves daily in a professional manner in and out of the classroom. They must also discipline and mentor students, attend board meetings and make a general community presence along with their actual classroom instruction.
So why become an education major? Teaching is a selfless profession and allows you to influence the next generation. What’s more, you get to teach what you love.
Educators are the bedrock of any community, as they interact with countless people on a day-to-day basis. As an educator, you are a leading example of what a good community member looks like.
I am sure most people have had a teacher who made a profound difference in their life. Teachers form hundreds of personal and beneficial relationships with students. Not only do teachers shape personal lives, but the profession is also a way of furthering a better future. Teachers see in real-time the positive effects they have on individuals and the entire community. Cliche? Maybe. True? Absolutely.
And while the pay is usually lacking, though most majors fall into this category, teachers have the opportunity to earn a state pension which neatly sets up their retirement. Educators can also further their careers by going back to school and teaching at the secondary level or through the administrative side of schooling.
But obviously, and most importantly, you get summer off. Seriously though, it is convenient to have a couple of months off to regroup in between the demands of the school season.
Education majors are oftentimes portrayed as easy, but that is simply not the case. Education majors have a unique variety of workloads designed to form well-rounded educators and mimic the real-life duties of teachers to a lesser degree. Being an education major means a career full of work but also one full of life.
