Charleston Southern University is a Christian-based liberal arts college that is known for its large education program. I happen to be one of those people in the program. I absolutely adore being an education major. All its ups and down and celebrations and criticisms–worth it. But sometimes being an education major is not as it seems. Here are a few things that education majors from Charleston Southern wish they had known before entering into the field.
“I wish I knew how hard classroom management is, along with earning their respect.”
-Hannah, Freshman, Early Childhood and Elementary Education
“You will start judging your professors based on the things you learn in class.”
-Rebecca, Freshman, Secondary Math Education
"They told me I wouldn't have classes in the afternoons but they never told me I would be at practicum those afternoons."
-Lucas, Freshman, Physical Education
“I wish I would have known how important it is to have different colored pens. I'm seriously convinced they might be more important than having your textbooks. If you don't have multi-colored pens and you're an education major, you might be in the wrong field.”
-Caroline, Sophomore, Early Childhood and Elementary Education
“That nobody else will understand your crazy schedule balancing practicum, classes, and school work with endless papers. That your practicum students will still love you even when you mess up on a lesson plan.That your professors will become your best friends and your biggest support along the way.”
-Carrie, Junior, Elementary Education
“I didn't know that I was going to get so emotionally attached to my students!”
-Emily, Junior, Secondary English Education
“Ok, here are things I know to be true: Other majors look down on education majors because of the "those that can't do, teach" thing. Even within the education world, secondary kind of views elementary and early as daycare training or just an easy degree. Also, you will hear a million times "Oh, you're education? Have fun with that. I couldn't deal with kids all day!" from every single person ever. A good thing though is that you're instantly friends with any education major, just because of the common career goal. And education boys are like male celebrities because they're rare and everybody wants to date them and have cute little teacher babies.”
–Megan, Junior, Secondary Math Education
“I wish I had known that practicums are a dress rehearsal: Take Advantage! Different classrooms have different ways of doing just about everything. Practicum experiences are extremely helpful so take advantage of them. Take these seriously and try out different strategies and techniques. This is your chance to “play teacher” in a safe environment where your professors and cooperating teachers will help show you the way. Document everything in a practicum journal that can be used every semester.”
-Dr. Franklin, Professor at Charleston Southern University
These comments come from peers and professors. We are a big happy family in the School of Education, bonding over triumphs and SmartBoards. Everyone's experience here is unique in its own way. If you love what you do, it's all worth it.
Thank you to all those who contributed! If you are or were an education major, we would love to hear what you wish you would have known going into it, so mention your advice in the comments below and share!
