What Should I Teach?

[Iris. ♥]

Basically, I have three passions. Kids, teaching, and literature.

I'm starting college next year and I know I'm going to become a teacher. But, I'm not sure which grade level I want to shoot for. I know I don't want to do middle school, but it's a toss-up between elementary and high school. I work with little kids right now, and I love them to death. But, I'm not sure how good I would be at teaching things at a simple level, the way they need it. On the other hand, teaching high school lit would give me room to get into depth with students and have really interesting discussions. But, high school students piss me off a lot. Yes, I am one, but you get the point. I'm really not sure which direction to go. Advice? Input?

[Elizabeth]

Maybe you could just to find some middle ground. Have you thought about maybe 3rd or 4th grade, which wouldn't be so basic and you can have real conversations with the kids( not as deep as high school). I mean, if you can't stand high school kids, that I don't really think teaching that grade level would be a good idea.
I know this is totally not what you are asking for, but Sonoma State (in California, which I see you are from ) has a really good teaching program. If you ever have any questions about it, just shoot me a PM.

[Incompris]

Have you tried teaching middle schoolers? I know you said you didn't want to, but a year ago I was saying the exact same thing and right now I'm seriously considering changing my major to middle grades education social studies and science from early childhood.

Anyway, if you did early childhood you can do 4th or 5th grade, at that age they are starting to get into stuff, especially literature, and it's a fun age for teaching.

You can also shoot for being a college professor, have you thought of that? That's not exactly "kids" but your students will all share your love for literature and you can have some really good discussions with them.

[Le bonheur*]

4th/5th grade students are really easy to work with. They're old enough to have conversations with but young enough to be "cute" If you can't stand the people you're going to be teaching, it's not going to be a fun job and you're going to hate it for the rest of the time you're doing it. I don't suggest that. I wish you luck.

[Fairy Poppins]

Do you have to decide right from the start?

Is there not a way that you can get some experience with the different ages to see which one you prefer?

[Nicole!]

I would just like to add that while you may not like high schoolers right now (most of us in high school don't ) you may feel different once you get out of college and are ready to be teaching.
Maybe make a list of what you like and don't like and then decide on what grade level best suits what you want to be teaching.

[Iris. ♥]

Thanks for the advice guys. 4th and 5th actually doesn't sound too bad.
Fairy Poppins, I can always change my mind, but I have to make a decision for my major. I'd like to avoid changing it, but if it comes down to it, I will.