We all know at least one person who picked a major they didn’t care about because it was easy, or because they could coast through their classes. They came to college to major in drinking and parties instead of academics. They also might just not have a clear idea of what they want to do, so they pick whatever seems the easiest to them. We stereotype these people as being in fields like psychology, or communication. I’ve also heard people treat education majors in that way.
Elementary education seems like an easy choice for a major. You’ll “get summers off,” and you don’t have to take hard level classes. Elementary math must be a breeze, and there’s no way you’ll be required to take difficult, upper-level classes. After all, you’re only teaching children.
It’s just not true. At first, the elementary education track is a little easy… just like every other major. When you’re doing your general education classes, it’s not a struggle. Then, you begin core one and your first experiences with practicum. It still seems easy, and you can sail along without putting too much effort in.
It gets harder, though. You reach core two and core three, where you’re working in real classes and developing you teaching style. It’s demanding and time consuming. You endure many sleepless nights, preparing for student teaching and the edTPA.
You must also complete practicum hours, which are hours spent in a classroom working hands on with children. This is added on to existing classes and commitments, and it takes up quite a bit of time.
The classes aren’t the only reason elementary education is hard. Sometimes students picking education as a “blowoff” major seem to forget that you actually interact with children. It’s some of the most rewarding work you can ever do, but it also has another side.
Not every child has a fantastic home life. Some children will only be able to eat at school, because their family doesn’t have enough food. Some children will endure abuse, or neglect. Sometimes, as a student teacher, or practicum student, or teacher, you will be the only positive adult influence in a child’s life.
You will be required to sign documents declaring you are a mandated reporter for the Department of Children and Family Services. This means that you are required to report abuse or neglect. If a child begins to tell you about something that happened, you can’t simply turn a blind eye. You must be the person that makes an effort to help that child.
It’s a huge responsibility, and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. We as elementary education students should be prepared for the responsibilities we are going to have when we enter the field. We should be aware of the standard we will be held to as teachers, and we should start holding ourselves accountable before we even graduate.
Teaching is not an easy profession, and elementary education is not an easy major. It takes time and hard work, as well as personal commitment and respect.
No one should enter college as an elementary education major with the idea that it will be an easy road. If you do, you are doing yourself and the profession of teaching a disservice.
