Problem with My Career (Please Help)

[YEARNING4TRUTH]

I want to be an elementary school teacher, it’s just I feel that going through the secular community/csu colleges to get it wouldn’t be good for me and my faith. Just seeing the word “liberal” as the major that I would have to pursue in college gets me to think that this might not be the best option for me. I was thinking of maybe getting my degree from taking online classes, but I don’t know if that would be any better, and besides it cost a lot of money. Any suggestions?

 

[midori]

The term “liberal arts” comes from the Latin artes liberales, which basically mean, “the arts of the free man,” in contrast with the artes illiberales. So the classical seven liberal arts are the trivium (grammar/rhetoric/logic) plus the quadrivium (arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy). Philosophy unites and nourishes all the liberal arts, etc.

So, basically, things in the “school of liberal arts” are the opposite of, say, the vo-tech path, and separate from the professional track. You go to vo-tech school for practical things, like refrigeration or auto mechanics or other trades. “Professions” are going to be things like law or medicine-- unless you subscribe to the thought that “there is no such thing as a profession.”

But getting back to you and your situation— we’re called to live in the world, but not be a part of it. What is it about you and your faith that you are concerned won’t survive? What do you need to strengthen in yourself? Rather than merely avoiding a situation that you think you can’t handle, you need to look at yourself and see what you need to do to be comfortable with yourself, your faith, your morals, and everything else, regardless of your geographic location at a particular moment in time. There are things within the college culture that aren’t healthy, sure. You have good sense to avoid those things, without having to sacrifice the goal of having a degree that lets you participate in the career path you want. Because that’s all a diploma is— it’s a piece of paper that opens doors.

So-- what do you need in order to be an elementary school teacher in your area? An associate’s degree? A bachelor’s degree? An education certificate? What does it take to be a substitute teacher? In my district, for example, they’ll hire pretty much anyone who’s graduated from high school to be a sub, but there’s a sliding pay scale… people with Master’s are paid more per day than people with a Bachelor’s, and people with a Bachelor’s are paid more than high school graduates.

Focus on your goal. Figure out what you need to do to get there. Show up for the classes, go through the motions, learn the information, graduate, and get on with your life. You’re your own person; don’t let fear of “the world” get in the way of what you perceive your calling to be.

 

[pensmama87]

If the major is “Liberal Arts,” that has a non-political meaning. That doesn’t mean there’s no crud, but just wanted to put your mind at ease about that.

I’d say look at your course options. Focus on classics and less contemporary stuff, or natural sciences and math. That should help you avoid a lot of it.

 

[pianistclare]

One has to know what the enemy is up to to be able and prepared to combat it.
Never eschew learning.
Presumably you have all the tools to remain holy: sacraments, grace, prayers, devotions, good interior life.

Be at peace and get an education. Don’t fret about what pother people do.
There are many like yourself there. And the world needs good, moral teachers.
Best wishes.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

The problem with “liberal” arts has been disposed of. Another question relates to online classes. Have you taken them before and been successful? One thing I found when taking online classes is that it takes a lot of self discipline to do the work and keep up with the class. It would be much easier to let things slide with an online class than with a live class until you reach the end and find out that you haven’t done enough work to pass.

You know yourself better than anyone here. Do you have the discipline? Will you miss the social interactions and intellectual opportunities that come from being on campus?

Why do you think going to college will damage your faith? Is it something about college campuses? Are you planning to live away from home and afraid that you’ll stray if not under your parents’ control? Are you looking at the Catholic culture on the campuses you’re considering – do they have Newman Centers or other Catholic activities/groups?

Obviously you need to go to college if you want to become a teacher. Have you considered other careers that wouldn’t require a degree?

 

[BlueEyedLady]

I highly recommend ‘In Defense of a Liberal Education’ by Fareed Zakaria. Even if you do decide to go into a more vocational major, it will give you a lot to consider.

 

[edwest2]

I want to be an elementary school teacher, it’s just I feel that going through the secular community/csu colleges to get it wouldn’t be good for me and my faith. Just seeing the word “liberal” as the major that I would have to pursue in college gets me to think that this might not be the best option for me. I was thinking of maybe getting my degree from taking online classes, but I don’t know if that would be any better, and besides it cost a lot of money. Any suggestions?

I suggest you speak to a few Catholic elementary school teachers. Call a Catholic parish that has a school and ask for their advice. Find out before you start. That way, you should get the guidance you need. It’s just a few phone calls away.

Best,
Ed

 

[ServusHumilis]

Even the Catholic College near me teaches “Liberal Arts.”

 

[pianistclare]

This^^^.

I’m not sure you understand the definition of Liberal Arts.
Which underscores the need for higher education.
If you are afraid of college, you’ll be ill equipped for a teaching profession. It’s not easy.
Find yourself a good advisor with practical knowledge as Ed suggests.

 

[Kay_Cee]

My younger daughter graduated (summa cum laude, no less!) last June with a degree in Liberal Arts. Basically, it’s taking courses that help you become an elementary school teacher.

She elected to apply for a position only in Catholic schools so she won’t have to teach anything contrary to the faith. She didn’t have any problem staying a faithful Catholic while in college. In addition to being an altar server, she also taught a CCD class.

She now has a job teaching fifth grade in a Catholic school, and she absolutely loves it.

 

[Allegra]

If you want to be an elementary teacher, wouldn’t your degree be in education, not liberal arts anyway?

 

[Kay_Cee]

If you want to be an elementary teacher, wouldn’t your degree be in education, not liberal arts anyway?

No. You need both a degree and a credential.

The degree is about what you are going to teach. The credential is about how you teach it.

For example, I have a degree in English and a Single Subject Teaching Credential. I taught high school English for ten years.

A liberal arts major covers many different subjects, so that’s what is most advisable for someone who wants to be an elementary school teacher. That person would also need a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

No. You need both a degree and a credential.

The degree is about what you are going to teach. The credential is about how you teach it.

For example, I have a degree in English and a Single Subject Teaching Credential. I taught high school English for ten years.

A liberal arts major covers many different subjects, so that’s what is most advisable for someone who wants to be an elementary school teacher. That person would also need a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential.

Varies by state, a TON.

 

[pensmama87]

Varies by state, a TON.

Yes. Some states don’t require a specific education degree at all, just certification, which may or may not be earned with an education degree. Some states require (or if not officially required, you won’t get hired without ) a Masters.

I have a BA and a MAT, and while doing the MAT I simultaneously completed the requirements for state certification. But I could have earned just the degree or just the certificate, too.

(And in my diocese, you have to be certified to teach in Catholic schools. That’s not the case everywhere, either.)

 

[pianistclare]

Varies by state, a TON.

Correct, and also Allegra is a teacher.

 

[pianistclare]

Yes. Some states don’t require a specific education degree at all, just certification, which may or may not be earned with an education degree. Some states require (or if not officially required, you won’t get hired without ) a Masters.

I have a BA and a MAT, and while doing the MAT I simultaneously completed the requirements for state certification. But I could have earned just the degree or just the certificate, too.

(And in my diocese, you have to be certified to teach in Catholic schools. That’s not the case everywhere, either.)

In our Archdiocese, you need certification, but they will take you on while you are working toward it. Which I can’t say has been a good thing.
It’s kind of like going to the beauty school for a perm. Sometimes, it’s pretty “lacking”.

 

[YEARNING4TRUTH]

Thanks for all who contributed to this post. I’ve read read all of your responses and I’m grateful that you guys have taken the time to offer up your insight. I’m honestly just worried about losing my faith with all of the things that I’m learning in school. It just seems like whenever I take classes like the social sciences and English, classes that emphasize critical thinking and having an open-mind, I find something that conflicts with the revealed truths of our faith, things that often convinces me that maybe what our faith teaches is wrong. I don’t know, maybe it’s just I think too much or have kept myself too open-minded or maybe it’s a lack of study of our faith. I value my faith very much, it’s what keeps me sane in this crazy world, and I don’t want to lose that sense of peace and security that I get from it. I’ve thought about going to the seminary and just closing myself off from the many misleading voices of the world; I feel like it’s so easy to get lost our way in such a pluralistic society, but I honestly don’t want to become a Priest or a religious brother, I don’t think I’d be able to handle having to make such a life-long commitment. I’d rather be a single and keep myself open to the possibility of marriage. But I don’t know, it’s so hard to get free from the grip of my very secular education because I don’t have the money and I’m stuck having to take this classes due to financial aid commitments because if I decide to drop I would have to pay back the money, and I don’t want to incur such a debt on my family.

 

[YEARNING4TRUTH]

and I don’t think continuing my education at the CSU system would be a feasible option because it looks like I’m fated to take more of those kind of classes.

 

[CradleJourney]

T It just seems like whenever I take classes like the social sciences and English, classes that emphasize critical thinking and having an open-mind, I find something that conflicts with the revealed truths of our faith, things that often convinces me that maybe what our faith teaches is wrong. I don’t know, maybe it’s just I think too much or have kept myself too open-minded or maybe it’s a lack of study of our faith. I value my faith very much, it’s what keeps me sane in this crazy world, and I don’t want to lose that sense of peace and security that I get from it.

Wanted to share with you what I would tell my own child should they share this with me.

Fear not. Our faith and it’s teachings have stood the test of time and thought - the Holy Spirit cannot be wrong. When you encounter something that makes you question, look at it as an invitation to learn MORE about your faith, to embrace it even more, to become even firmer in it.

God doesn’t tend to leave us where we are at, in my experience. He tends to constantly call us to improve ourselves and our relationship with Him. And a question is just that. Go in knowing that the Church which He created already has the answer, you just have to find it.

((HUGS)) and prayers.

 

[Allegra]

No. You need both a degree and a credential.

The degree is about what you are going to teach. The credential is about how you teach it.

For example, I have a degree in English and a Single Subject Teaching Credential. I taught high school English for ten years.

A liberal arts major covers many different subjects, so that’s what is most advisable for someone who wants to be an elementary school teacher. That person would also need a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential.

In my state, you get a degree in education, with an emphasis in a certain subject. Elementary teachers get a degree in elementary education. My degree is in music education. I’m certified vocal and instrument, K-12, based on my coursework and state tests.