Do I really want to become a elementary teacher?

Your love of 'acting' would actually help you be a 'great' teacher ... you can teach them 'acting' and have them act out a play or story or even to write their own plays and stories. I think that being a 'elementary school' teacher is always good, because the 'little ones' need a good education to be able to learn when they are older ... and a 'teacher with a love (acting, drawing, writing, fixing cars ... whatever) is ALWAYS a better teacher when s/he 'adds that love to the teaching process.' And if you do go 'into teaching' you can still seek 'acting roles' when you aren't teaching ... go on, be a STAR in both fields. Education needs MORE people like that!

You certainly sound as if you are having doubts about whether you would like to become a teacher or another career. What others have said makes a lot of sense with how teaching and acting can work in tandem, however, one must really love their job since it takes up such a chunk of their time and life.

I actually used to work with kindergarteners and found that while I really enjoyed the job of teacher's assistant (private school so there was 'just' another assistant in afternoon alongside with me), that I didn't feel that it was right for me to do full-time and for many years. Perhaps you can get such a job and find out that way or even volunteer which of course is much less stressful than working, but at least you can perhaps see part of what those in education deal with.

It can also be common to have second thoughts when in such a challenging program. Acting is a lot more uncertain of a career than teaching and one can always complete the requirements for the degree in education and pursue other endeavors as well even in the future. They say to go with one's passion and gut feeling as others have said. It's not a crime if you don't become an elementary teacher ;) but having a genuine zeal for what one is doing is key. How about that saying, 'if you love what you do, you'll never have to work a day in your life.' :)

If you have the time, and if you haven't already started during it, you may want to consider substitute teaching for the rest of the school year in the area of education (elementary) that you hope to be teaching when you complete your degree. I know that from my own personal experience that I have been a little hesitant about becoming a teacher because of all the negative press about the climate of today's education system and school environments; however, after I took an assignment for an ESE instructor at the secondary education level...I discovered that I can't see myself doing anything else...I can't say that you will feel the same way, but I think that the best way to determine what you want to do is to experience it first hand.

Ladyblue

PS I use to also perform on stage too...

Like one poster said, it is up to you to decide if you want to be a teacher. Personally, I love it! I teach high school Spanish. Like you, I love acting. Now I'm on stage all day! I help with school plays and presentations too.

My suggestion: teach. The acting will come in handy. For example, when you want to scream at a kid, you can use your skills to act calmly and firmly. :) Of course there are many many ways to use acting in the classroom.

Another suggestion: If you decide to teach elementary school, get an endorsement in something, perhaps special ed. It will help you stand out against your many competitors when applying for a job.

Only you can answer that. Decide what has the most longevity and what is most practical when applied to your life. Are you a good enough actress to persue a career? Its hard to have no objectivity, but some how we always know deep down. I do know that elementary teachers do get sick a lot. Thats one thing to think about. There are always free summers too. Good luck.

if u r working hard for this u should go 4 it. r u really going to be an actor? how will u be an actor ? is it possible 4 u ?

i think u should do what ur heart says. i know its corny but it's the truth is it actually works. ask yourself questions and think about it for a while. i hope u decide wisely

You actually need acting sometimes to keep kids interested. Teaching is one of the hardest occupations with the greatest rewards.

its a lot of hard work you barely have time for yourself or family but thats up to you i would say no though

you won't be an actor. teach little kids