Laura Beth Webb, graduate and professional studies counselor at 国产剧麻豆剧, shared some common misconceptions about education degree programs, as well as some encouraging advice for students considering pursuing a teaching credential. Here are five common myths about becoming a teacher, and Webb鈥檚 advice on how to thrive in 国产剧麻豆剧鈥檚 education programs.
Myth: You have to plan to be an educator from the start.
Reality: You can pursue teaching anytime with any background.
Many believe an undergraduate degree in education or something similar is required to earn a teaching credential. In California, the primary requirement of the teaching credential is simply any bachelor鈥檚 degree. Even if teaching was never part of your plan during undergrad, you can still pursue a teaching career 鈥� even if you hope to teach a subject separate from your major.
Another common misconception is that you have to be a certain age to begin your teaching career. In actuality, there鈥檚 a large range of age demographics.
According to Webb, most prospective School of Education students fall into three categories. Many are young, fresh out of undergrad and want to start or finish a program. Some are continuing from 国产剧麻豆剧鈥檚 undergraduate programs, but there are many new students too. Typically, this age group consists of the students who had planned to be involved in teaching and education as a career.
__________
Who are you called to be?
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Others are five to 10 years out of their undergraduate education 鈥� they thought about teaching but had to circle back through a career transition.
Some students are older and are coming to education as a second or third career choice. Webb talks to many stay-at-home parents who want to transition into teaching, or people seeking to leave the corporate world for something new.
鈥淪o many students that come in say, 鈥楾he idea of teaching has always been there,鈥欌�� Webb said. 鈥淭hey find themselves wanting to teach in some capacity. It doesn鈥檛 need to be a full-time career, but other times that desire is so deep that students just need to make it a full-time career.鈥�
Myth: Being a teacher is a short-term goal.
Reality: It takes planning and dedication.
Webb sometimes interacts with students who see teaching as a short-term goal, or something to try. In reality, becoming a teacher actually requires a minimum three- to five-year plan.
鈥淪ome students say [about teaching], 鈥業鈥檒l test it out and see if it鈥檚 right for me,鈥欌�� Webb said. 鈥淚t really is a longer commitment. You get that preliminary credential and within five years of that credential, you need to clear it. This requires a full-time teaching contract, which can sometimes be difficult.鈥�
Both the single-subject and multiple-subject programs take about one year to complete during fall, spring, and summer semesters. Since the San Diego district doesn鈥檛 offer year-round programs, however, prospective educators often can鈥檛 observe or teach a classroom during the summer, which may mean those three semesters are inconsecutive.
However, 国产剧麻豆剧鈥檚 credential program is built so that it can transition into a master鈥檚 program (if desired). Not all schools are built that way.
鈥淪tudents can choose to start a master鈥檚 degree that summer,鈥� Webb observed, 鈥渁nd can use that extra time toward their education. That鈥檚 a really great option.鈥�
Taking extra courses or working toward a master鈥檚 degree not only helps inform a student鈥檚 teaching, but can also open up higher-paying opportunities.
Taking extra courses or working toward a master鈥檚 degree not only helps inform a student鈥檚 teaching, but can also open up higher-paying opportunities.
鈥淭eaching positions鈥� pay scales are usually determined either by years of service or education units completed,鈥� Webb said. 鈥淥ften, it鈥檚 easier to complete that next degree or that next chunk of units to move up on the pay scale.鈥�
Myth: Student clinical hours are there just to fulfill requirements.
Reality: Clinical teaching fosters valuable skills and connections.
In 国产剧麻豆剧鈥檚 three-semester program, the first two semesters are what Webb calls 鈥榗ore content鈥� 鈥� learning everything you need to effectively run your own classroom. This consists of traditional classroom learning as well as fieldwork hours and observation.
The third semester includes clinical practice as a student teacher. In addition to offering crucial experience for aspiring teachers, it can also provide valuable connections for students.
Webb always reminds students that the clinical practice is not just to fulfill a requirement; it鈥檚 designed to help you expand your network, decide where you want to work, and build partnerships.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not just a time to absorb all you can,鈥� Webb said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 similar to an internship. It鈥檚 a time to show who you are, and to really put yourself out there, and to use that as a networking opportunity.鈥�
鈥淚t鈥檚 not just a time to absorb all you can,鈥� Webb said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 similar to an internship. It鈥檚 a time to show who you are, and to really put yourself out there, and to use that as a networking opportunity.鈥�
Myth: Teachers stop learning when they start teaching.
Reality: Learning never ends.
Regardless of how much experience a teacher has in a classroom, the need for learning never stops. The ways a teacher interacts with students, subject matters, and the world around them are constantly changing.
鈥淭here鈥檚 no end to education,鈥� Webb said. 鈥淓ducation is always changing, the curriculum is always evolving, and every educator is required to be a part of continued education.鈥�
While this might sound daunting, new teachers should take encouragement from knowing that even the most experienced educators still need to learn and adapt to new protocols and ideas. Consequently, there is never a bad time to jump into the world of education.
If you鈥檙e interested in continuing your education, take the first steps today by clicking here for an overview about 国产剧麻豆剧鈥檚 bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in education. Or, click here to