Since I have started at the University of West Georgia, one of the first questions that everyone you encounter with asks "What is your major?" I will answer this question saying that I am an Early Childhood Education major and they give me the looks of disappointment. I have realized over the years that I am not the only one within the same field that encounters the same thing along with people telling me that I took the "easy" way out and that I am only in it for the summer vacation. WRONG. So, here I am today to tell you the stereotypes of an education major.
1. "You have it easy."
If it was so easy, why are there studies that show that a large percentage of new teachers that leave the profession within the first five years?
2. "You are so smart. You could have been so much more."
Who is anybody to tell you that what you do is "worthy?" It frustrates me when people think that teachers have failed at everything and that is why there are in this profession. I can tell you right now that is not at all true, so try again.
3. "Your major is so easy." -Said by a non-education friend
It was an easy major compared to almost any other field of college study, said no education major ever. What gets me is that people tell me that my grades are good because I am an education major, so, therefore, it is not hard. I have good grades because I work my butt off studying and doing my work to the best of my ability. END OF STORY.
4. "You will have the entire summer off where you will do NOTHING."
First off, summer runs from the last weeks of May/beginning of June to August. Many teachers (mostly new teachers) spend their summer revising lesson plans, creating activities, taking classes, and attending workshops. Please tell me again that we do not do anything.
5. "Anyone can do your job."
You think that you know as much as you do? That is funny. As if I am not going to college to learn strategies and interventions to teach kids more efficiently. Just because you are good at something, does not mean you are capable of teaching.
