Expert: Angela Kus - 2/10/2007

Question
Angela,


#1-       I live in WASHINGTON STATE and I have decided to pursue getting a BA degree to become a school teacher. I would like to teach students ages 10-13 years old. Is that called secondary education? Or what is it exactly?

#2-       My ultimate goal is to become a COLLEGE PROFESSOR teaching ENGLISH. What education do I need to become one?

#3-       I have to work full time, while attending college, and I was wondering- WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON DISTANCE EDUCATION? Should I pursue my education through online studies, or should I do it the traditional way? I like it because it's very flexible, as well as safer for ladies (since I would have had to take night classes).

#4-       Is it SMART to study a double major? Such as: Education/English? That way I'd get educated in BOTH areas?

Thanks.

Danna


Answer
Danna-

First off, to teach 10-13 year olds, you could either get a secondary education degree with an endorsement in middle school which allows you to teach grades 5-12, or you could get an elementary education degree with the same endorsement.



To be a professor, you need a Ph.D. in English - more specifically, you need a Ph.D. in a particular area of English, say medieval literature or women's studies, for example.



Whether or not you pursue a degree online or traditionally is your decision entirely.  Personally, I like the traditional route.  I feel that you lose something by simply taking online courses and not interacting with your peers.



I am from Illinois, and here education is not a major... it is a minor.  Not knowing how the Washington State educational system works, and assuming it is the same, your major would be English and your minor would be education.



Hope that clears things up for you.  If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.

Angela