Choosing the Right BA for a Future in Teaching

The path to becoming a teacher is multifaceted, and choosing the correct college major is a crucial step in this journey. Often, prospective teachers are advised not to major in Education due to the inconsequential nature of much of the coursework required for a degree in this field. This article delves into the challenges of traditional Education majors and suggests alternative paths to a career in teaching.

Why Traditional Education Majors Are Not Recommended

Many seasoned educators and academic luminaries, such as former Harvard President Lawrence Lowell, have expressed strong reservations about the value of traditional Education majors. Lowell famously referred to the Harvard School of Education as a 'kitten that should have been drowned.' Irvine Babbitt, a French literature professor, also criticized these programs, describing the professors of pedagogy and sociology as 'held in almost universal suspicion in academic circles' and 'not infrequently looked upon by their colleagues as downright charlatans.'

The crux of the issue is that much of the coursework in traditional Education programs is of questionable value. For instance, earning a teaching credential typically only requires one year of intensely difficult and tedious coursework. However, a full four-year bachelor's degree in Education demands years of study that are largely irrelevant to the actual job of teaching. Much of the material is repetitive and focuses excessively on topics that are tangential to the core skills needed to teach effectively.

Why the Traditional Path Is Painful

One of the most challenging aspects of pursuing a degree in Education is the sheer amount of time and money required. Many useful insights could be condensed into a one-week seminar, but the curriculum often includes an excessive amount of material that is irrelevant. For example, instead of focusing on practical skills like phonics and direct instruction, countless hours are spent discussing issues of race and diversity. In some courses, where the students are not the most intellectually gifted, the material is dissected in minute detail, resulting in a classroom atmosphere that feels more like a waiting room than an academic setting.

Specifically, some educators spent over 100 hours learning about race and diversity, yet received only 13 minutes of training in phonics. This imbalance highlights the inefficiency of traditional Education programs. Furthermore, crucial skills like keeping a grade book or designing a lesson plan using a textbook are often overlooked. In one instance, a professor barely acknowledged the importance of phonics, even rolling her eyes when the topic was brought up. While the 13 minutes of phonics instruction was a generous amount, it starkly contrasts the 0.0 hours spent on direct instruction, another critical teaching method.

Alternatives to the Traditional Path

Given the inefficiency and often outdated nature of traditional Education majors, it is recommended to explore alternative majors that better prepare students for the challenges of teaching. Several fields offer a strong foundation for a future in education:

Mathematics: A strong background in math is valuable for teaching various subjects and preparing students for standardized tests. English: This major equips students with excellent communication skills and the ability to work with language and literature. A foreign language: Knowledge of a foreign language can open up opportunities in bilingual education and international schools. A scientific field: Majors in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) offer practical skills and a strong foundation in current educational trends and practices. History: Understanding historical contexts can enhance the teaching of social studies and other subjects. Economics: Economic principles can be applied to various real-world scenarios, making it a valuable subject to teach. Music or Art: These subjects can provide students with a well-rounded educational experience and foster creativity.

Some degree paths, like Mathematics and Science, are highly sought after, especially given the current demand for qualified teachers in these areas. On the other hand, English teachers need to compete fiercely for teaching positions, making it more challenging to land a job.

For those fortunate enough to live in states with alternative pathways to a teaching credential, it is advisable to pursue these routes to avoid the waste of time and resources associated with traditional Education programs.