Expert: Debba Robinson - 1/14/2005

Question
Good after noon my name is Jamie, i am a middle school student. in my class we (my class) are researching careers and, i picked you. i was just wondering if you could answer me some questions.
 1. what kind of classes did you have to take to become a teacher?
 2. how long did you have to go to school to become a teacher?
 3. and Last do you enjoy your job or do you kinda wish you would have done something else with your life.

                          Sincerly
                             Jamie

Answer
Dear Jamie,

I am happy to answer some questions for you.  

1.  Because I wanted to teach elementary school, I had to take courses like Children's Literature, PE for Elementary Children, Concepts of Mathematics (kind of a course on teaching math to elementary students) and other 'methods' courses like that.  I also had to take some theory courses ... I can't remember the names of them, exactly (I'm not even sure of the names I already gave you) but the theory courses have to do with how education thoughts have changed over the years.  In my first two years, I had to volunteer in elementary classrooms, AND for my PE course, I had to spend one day a week at a local school where a partner and I taught games to young children.  And, of course, I had to do a semester of student teaching.

2.  I was very lucky.  My college began year 'round education in my freshman year, so I was able to complete my education in 3 years rather than 4.  Of course, it meant that I took one semester with a heavier than normal load in order to skip the last summer, but, in the end, it was worth it.  I really had to hustle to make it a success.  

3.  I wanted to become a teacher from the time I was in third grade!  Since I achieved that goal, for the most part, I've not looked back.  I LOVE teaching.  Certainly, when having some bad days or some difficult transitions in my life, I have contemplated doing something else, but the reality is that I'm glad I became a teacher.  Now, that being said, I am also open to doing other things if they appear on the forefront.  Right now I am working toward being an administrator.  I always said I never wanted to be an administrator (I felt I would lose contact with the children and be stuck in an office) but, as my mother always said, "Never say 'never'!"  I have worked for some pretty unimpressive administrators over the years and I decided I shouldn't criticize them unless *I* was willing to jump in and do a better job ... so my principal's certification is just around the corner and I am working toward my superintendent's certification as well.  Still in education, of course!

Jamie, a lot of things have changed since I was taking courses to become a teacher.  I STRONGLY urge you to contact my schools to find out what they require now.  I just stopped by Plymouth State University in New Hampshire (where I am taking courses now) and found that this site might help you.  

http://www.plymouth.edu/thirdtier/department.phtml?department_code=ED

Now, it will require clicking on a few links but I think the 'Degree Program' will head you in the right direction.  You might also try writing to someone in the education department for specifics.  If you click on Department Homepage you will see a link for Faculty and Staff.  I believe you will find names with links to e-mail addresses.  

Now, my Alma Mater is Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio.  It's a Liberal Arts College and has different requirements because of that.  If you go to this website:

http://www.muskingum.edu/home/admission/majors/education/1.html

and click on the link 'E-mail the Department', you can ask them specific questions.  I think you will get results that will give you a clearer picture of what becoming a teacher TODAY means.  I'm 30 years into my professions and so much has changed.

Good luck to you, Jamie!  Get back to me if you have further questions that you think I might be able to answer.

Debba