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Should I teach history or math & science?

  • I've kicked around the idea of a teaching career for some time, kind of casually, in the back of my head, and I've very recently decided to go for it, but I need some advice. I'm a high school dropout and would therefore be starting completely from scratch with regards to becoming certified; under No Child Left Behind, it is basically no longer possible to get a liberal-arts degree in "education" and then end up teaching whatever subject happens to have openings in your district---which, don't get me wrong, I'm very much in favor of (and yes, I know you're not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition, bite me). It always struck me as pretty damn ridiculous that anyone could be teaching a subject that they weren't in some way actually qualified to discuss. But the upshot is that in order to start seriously researching programs and funding, I need to make up my mind what I want to teach. The subject or subject group which appeals the most to me, for whatever reason, is high school-level history/civics/poli-sci/world studies/current events/whathaveyou. This is somewhat ironic to me, given the fact that I've never really been much of a pure history buff---in fact, I've always been more into the sciences. Certainly there's a lot more options out there, it seems, for aspiring math & science teachers---more degree programs, more grants, more scholarships, especially for women. But the idea of teaching science OR math, whether it's algebra, biology, geometry, or physics, just doesn't catch my imagination the same way as the idea of trying to find ways to Bring History to Life! for my future students with field trips and discussions and blah blah blah. So my question is, would a degree in World History or American History or whatever significantly limit my job prospects as compared to a degree in Chemistry or Calculus? What kind of demand is there for history teachers? I'm currently in Texas, and I don't think I'll be leaving anytime soon, but a big part of the appeal of a teaching career is the fact that you can go anywhere in the country and get a job, just like nursing, so I don't really want to compromise that advantage. I have ZERO interest in teaching English or ESL or special-ed or primary school (I like little kids just fine, I HAVE a little kid, but I still don't want to be trapped in a room with 22 of them for eight hours a day---I'd rather deal with teenagers), so between a social-sciences degree and a technical-science degree (which is what it really boils down to), which one should I choose?

  • Answer:

    Hi Arizona: The truth is this...it is going to be difficult to find a job teaching history. There are a lot of history teachers out there. It really is too bad, though, because you would probably be good at it based upon what you have written and expressed. You are going to have a better chance finding a teaching job if you chose math or science. However, if this is not where your heart lies, then maybe it is not worth it. Don't settle. If you do happen to like math and/or science, but love history, you could consider majoring in one (history) and minoring in the other. This will allow you to teach math or science while you find a teaching job for history. Also, it will get your foot in the door and you may find it is easier to get a teaching job for history once one comes open. If you only mildly like math or science, you may find that teaching it just doesn't capture your imagination and then that interest won't flow to the students. Ultimately, it is up to you. Think about what you really want. There is no need starting over and doing math or science and finding you don't like it. Check around your area and see if there are any history teachers that will be retiring in the next few years. If so, see if you can be a teacher's assistant. That will help too. Hope this helps, and I wish you good luck. B:)

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if you are a good person, nice and understanding, then become a math teacher. kids seem to struggle with math the most.

There are many ways to bring history into the math/science classroom. There is Pythagoras, Newton, Galileo, and numerous other people and important events that came together to form math. The Cartesian Coordinate system is named after Renee Descartes and if he had not developed analytical geometry we might not have as many advancements now. Sure someone would have come up with it eventually, but everything we have now in technology, medicine, architecture and numerous other fields hinge on the math and science researchers and discoverers. I try to incorporate the history that does not get included in the text books to bring the idea to life and give it meaning. My students love to hear me tell the stories of the Academy and what the Ptolemy's did to advance all knowledge. They also love it when I tell them Pythagoras was a mean old man that used threats of physical violence to keep his cronies in line. Sure it's a bare bones but it's better than nothing and gives you great bonus questions and research ideas.

There aren't many women in the math/science part of education, so I would go for that.

ASE

Math

Fab

math and science

Mak Man

Yea, math and science is an in demand teaching subject, but if your not passionate about it then it will show through and your students will be uninspired. Its best to get your general eds done at a junior college, its cheaper, plus all J.C.'s have articulation agreements with the universities, meaning an instant in. Talk to a counselor about what you want to do and they will tell you the best major to pick. Good Luck

lrgrether

Teach math because history and science involve more work and memorization. jk. I will tell you the pros and cons of teaching each subject. Math Pros- not much memorization needed except for formulas; there will be some in the textbooks. Cons- no field trips with the kids(usually) Science Pros- students usually take an interest in science and stuff Cons- well there are not many cons. cant think of them right now History Pros- well i was looking at your description and i didnt see any reason why you should be a history teacher Cons- well, lots of memorization needed, exact dates and stuff. Good luck!

aznhippos

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