I'm Done With An Elementary Education Degree In Oklahoma
Start writing a post
Education

I'm done with an elementary education degree in oklahoma

Why are teachers so undervalued in Oklahoma?

96
https://www.the74million.org/walkout-update-kentucky-and-oklahoma-return-to-class-as-arizona-and-colorado-become-latest-fronts-for-teacher-unrest/
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/education/article210238014.html

I've given up on my Elementary Education dream and now I'm moving on to Sociology. I've thought about this long and hard. I've stayed up many nights while worrying about the decisions I've made. I've been stressed out, exhausted, and emotionally wrecked over this topic. I'm done with my dream of being a teacher. It's not that I let myself down. But I realized that I am a teacher in other different aspects of life. I realized that I have a passion for teaching and for kids, but I also realized that I will have my own kids one day and that I will teach them and guide them with everything I know. Family is everything to me.

Let me be honest and make my failures public; I failed my teacher certification twice. I am not proud of this. It breaks my heart that a test has to define me, but I understand why it's important as a teacher. I think the state of Oklahoma needs to reevaluate their standards for both present and future teachers even after the teacher walkout that made national news. I think it's sad that many legislators of Oklahoma refused to talk to teachers and instead they hid out in their offices. Many teachers resigned after the walkout happened because nothing was happening. It's just really sad when future teachers have to think twice about their career decision. I was tired of having an advisor in the education department that overworked me and overplanned me for too many semesters. It was his way or no way. I had 5 classes last fall, a winter intersession class, 6 spring classes, 3 summer classes which turned into 2 classes because 1 I no longer needed and I was supposed to have 6 classes again for this upcoming fall semester with another winter intersession class but I have now changed it to 4 because I need a break and I'm doing the minimal amount of credit hours to stay enrolled. I do not deserve this. I deserve better. To anyone that tells me, "well why did you quit if it was your dream?" or "why didn't you try harder?" I say, "I no longer agree with what I thought in the beginning."

Teachers are so undervalued in Oklahoma and I don't think anything will change in the future. I mean I hope it does, but I don't think it'll happen immediately. The pay raise that teachers deserve wouldn't be an immediate effect. It would be years before anything changed. I also feel very strongly about the teacher walkout that happened in April of 2018. I feel for the teachers that had to and continue to have to buy their own classroom supplies and resources for teaching students regardless of what grade it is. I'm not happy with bigger class sizes and smaller classrooms. Every student deserves that one on one attention between the teacher and the student. I don't agree with the core curriculum at all. I don't believe in "teaching to the test." I think it's stupid that tests define students, at any age or any grade. One test should not define you. One test or even multiple tests or evaluations should not make me less of a person or less of a teacher in the state of Oklahoma. But sadly, it matters and therefore I'm moving onto Sociology.

The reason I chose sociology out of all the other majors is because of the classes that I've already taken and classes that I need to have for a new major. Sociology is perfect for everything that I have. I know that by changing majors I'm better off and I will make more money in my career than I would as a teacher and live in Oklahoma. I don't necessarily have a plan of what else I want to do but I'm in it for the adventure. I'm supposed to do what makes me happy in life and I'm doing my best to try. So for now, I'm doing the best I can.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

50683
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

32421
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955668
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180732
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments