To become a high school teacher, should I major in secondary education or the subject?

Jonathan Schlussel: A high school teacher teaches a subject, such as math. That is what you major in. In California you need a Bachelors degree in the subject. Then additional course work in how best to teach it, organize a class, promote a learning (not chaos) environment. Student teaching is the ideal, but you have to pay for it, so some teach & student teach at the same time. Some become zombies from lack of sleep.

Janean Guz: What subject, and what state?

Janean Guz: Well, I'm from Massachusetts and I'm currently an "English Secondary Education" major at my college in New Hampshire. I've been looking at other answers, but in the Northeast it's really up to you what you want to major in, your content area or secondary education. If you major in secondary ed then you will have to take education courses (kind of like a duel major), many pre-practicums (pre-student teaching), and then student teaching your senior year. Also, you will probably have to pa! ss the state's teacher exam for you to be admitted into the teacher program, but they will usually help you with that process. Whereas, if you just majored in your content area then you would be solely taking just English, or Math, or History.... Then if you decide to go into teaching you'll be on your own when it comes to taking the exam. I had a teacher back in high school who just majored in her content area and she regretted not having student teaching experience. Well, every state is different in their expectations... but this what i've been going through in MA/NHThe best way to know is to either go online to your states education website or talk to the advisers at your h.s./university. Good Luck!...Show more

Lynn Hollars: Secondary education. If you major in the subject, you will have to take education classes anyway. The secondary education major allows you to specialize in the subject matter that you will teach, such as math, science, or English. You will b! e qualified to teach you subject matter, don't worry!

Ni! colas Cooley: It depends on where you are and what your state requires. In Kentucky I majored in English with secondary certification.

Timmy Bustard: The teacher from California is correct. You must major in your subject area and you will need to take additional classes to get certified to teach.