As an education major, I hear the same questions all the time. Why would you want to teach children? Why would you want to get paid to babysit? Why not nursing? Is it because you get summers and weekends off?
I started college as a nursing major, although, since I was a little girl I've always said teaching was my passion. Once I got accepted and started the nursing program, I quickly learned that it was not for me. My passion was education.
Why did I become an education major, exactly?
I am an education major because of the students I will embrace and the impact I will have in their lives. Teachers shape the minds of children and must make minute by minute decisions. Education majors understand the impact that teachers have on students' lives.
I am an education major because I can act silly with my children. I can interact with my students and get them to understand a lesson hands on. I do not just have to read off of a paper and give tests.
I am an education major because it is the most rewarding career. I am able to witness the smiles of every child as they walk through the door. I am able to hear the excitement in their voices when they tell me about their weekend. I can feel the love when a student tells me that I made a difference in their life.
I am not an education major because of the summers and weekends off, because in reality, a teacher is never off. A teacher must constantly plan and assess the classroom, students, and curriculum.
I am an education major because I do not see children as just children. I see that every child has a potential to learn. Every child learns in a different way. As an educator, it is my job to ensure that every child learns. There is no such thing as "problem" children.
I am an education major because I want to design a classroom that is inviting and welcoming to students. I want my students to be comfortable and eager to learn. I want students to feel safe and wanted in my classroom. I want them to interact and learn with their classmates.
Most importantly, I am an education major because I am in it for the outcome- not the income. Having a student finally understand a difficult problem is more rewarding than having a check at the end of the month.
The next time you hear someone say they are an education major, hold off on the negative comments. Without educators, none of us would have the education we have. Instead of bashing their career choice, thank them for giving up their lives in order to better education.
