Expert: Debba Robinson - 11/21/2008

Question
Hello my name is Nicole. I'm a senior at Northwest High in Omaha,Nebraska and I am thinking of becoming a kindergarten/first grade teacher for my career. Do you know what classes are helpful for that area? what classes would I be taking in college? what should I expect to become a teacher?

Answer
Hi, Nicole,

Gosh - you take me back to when *I* was planning to become a teacher.  I did EVERYTHING I possibly could to prepare ... babysitting, visiting schools, observing former teachers ... you name it.

Now, I think your best bet is to contact some colleges and universities where teachers get trained and ask them what THEY require and what optional courses are available.

I went to Muskingum College in New Concord, OH, University of Vermont in Burlington, and Plymouth State University in Pymouth, NH.  There are TONS of other options, but I know they would love to tell you what their programs are.  You also can visit their websites and click on being an education major and see what comes up.

Certainly, you have to take courses that educate you on the role of education in our history, and you have to take methods courses that teach you how to teach.  Then there are often electives that you can use to hone your skills in particular areas (special ed, ESL, learning disabilities, etc.).  

Nowadays you are expected to spend more time visiting real classrooms earlier in your program so you can decide if this is really what you want to do BEFORE you begin student teaching and you are almost done.  It's always sad to see people spend all those years and then get to student teaching and discover that it's really not their cup of tea, if you know what I mean.

Child development and psychology courses are always helpful, curriculum courses, children's literature (I would suggest you go to the local public library and begin reading all the children's books you can get your hands on ... keep index cards as a record of title, author and a brief summary - or do it on your computer so you can do quick searches through a data base), teaching math ... these are all things you'll want to explore.

Go visit schools - ask to volunteer if that is a possibility.  You should expect to jump through a lot of hoops. I never had to take the Praxis but I think most states require that now.  You will need to know a little about a lot and a lot about a little - if you know what I mean.  

I hope this gets you started on your plans.  If you have more questions, don't hesitate to write back.  Who knows ... maybe we'll work together one day!

Debba