I think I can say that every Education major has experienced the good ole’ “Oh, you want to be a teacher?” reaction to the unfortunate news that he/she has willingly decided to receive minimal pay and maximum disrespect for the rest of their lives. In regards to the responses everyone will have to your major, here are five things that every Education major should prepare themselves for:
1. Just about EVERYONE will try to talk you out of it
This is one of the first things to be prepared for. People can’t seem to take it when the news gets out that you have decided to become a teacher. “Are you sure?” will become a daily occurrence. Even your parents’ “We will support you in whatever you want to do” will rattle. This is the first test to see if you have what it takes to be a teacher; if you can’t handle this, you most definitely can’t handle 30 middle schoolers.
2. “Education? That’s like the easiest major, right?”
If you think waking up at five in the morning and driving 90 minutes away to observe high schoolers for seven hours then driving back to campus is easy, then yes, it is. Be prepared for other majors thinking yours is a joke. They don’t understand our superpower passion for our work.
3. Wearing professional clothing
While everyone else is wearing Lulu Lemon shorts and XL t-shirts, you will be wearing slacks and flats. On days when you observe or when you are student teaching, you must wear appropriate attire. Pro Tip: Old Navy is a gold mine.
4. The Tests
You thought you escaped state testing when you graduated high school, but you thought wrong. In Oklahoma, there are three tests an education major must pass to receive their certification: the OGET, the OSAT, and the OPTE. You have to pay for them too (just an added bonus). Be ready to ace those babies and show the state you have what it takes!
5. The moments with students you will never forget
It is fun to joke and complain about the pay and the students’ behavior, but on a serious note, you will experience such joy. Creating bonds with students is so rewarding. It is so worthwhile to be able to connect with students and be a positive influence. Be prepared for the most wonderful, unforgettable moments of your life.
In all, be prepared for people to think you are crazy, paying hundreds in certification tests, and for having a pretty inspiring career.