Future Educators/Script Chris Is a 22-Year-Old College

Future Educators/Script

Chris is a 22-year-old college senior who has always been passionate about history; she plans to be a middle school social studies teacher. Kelly, in her early 50s, worked as an account executive for an advertising agency. When her youngest child finished college, she enrolled in an intensive program to obtain her teaching certificate. She plans to be a high school math teacher.

Chris: I'm not sure what the future will bring for American K-12 education. I just know that I want to be part of it. I always loved social studies when I was in school I had wonderful teachers who really knew how to make the subject come alive. I want to bring that same enthusiasm to my classroom.

Kelly: I understand exactly. I majored in math but wasn't committed at that time to teaching. People discouraged me. They said that because I was so smart, teaching would be a waste of my talents and intellect. Can you imagine? Who else do you want teaching your kids but someone who is smart? Then, I got married and had children. Being a good wife and mom was my sole focus for many years, and a few years ago an opportunity came along to work in advertising. I enjoyed it, but I didn't feel as though I was making a difference. I really do think that teaching is a noble profession. I also think too many kids say they hate math, and that's not good for them or for our country. I believe it's especially important to provide a strong role model for girls.

Chris: I would like to be a classroom teacher. Maybe at some point I would think about a career as an administrator, but I think I would miss teaching social studies. I know I would miss working with students.

Kelly: I am just starting my teaching career and at 52, it's a little late to think about being an administrator. Plus, I really want to be in the classroom. I know some districts hire math coaches to work with teachers to boost their math programs. I think I would be interested in doing something like that after a few years of classroom experience.

Chris: My dream job would be to teach eighth grade social studies at the school I attended. First, the eighth grade curriculum is U.S. history and that was my concentration. Last summer, I was an aide to a teacher who led a trip to Gettsyburg. I learned so much on that trip because we were right there. Since sophomore year, I've tried to schedule my classes so I had one or two days a week completely free. I worked as a substitute teacher as much as I could. I feel I have gained a lot of practical knowledge that most of my peers have not.