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What high school level classes should I take to pursue education as a career, especially early childhood and special needs?

I am in 8th grade and am picking my highschool courses.

high-school teacher special-education early-childhood-education
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Mercedes’s Answer

You are very motivated! Already thinking about your career in high school. Good for you. I am not an expert in this area, but I do know classes related to social science, human behavior and other science topics would be helpful. The good news is that you will be able to take more career centric courses in college. It is wonderful you are thinking of a career in such a much needed profession. Good luck and I am sure you will do excellent.
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TRAVIS’s Answer

There might be clubs that are focused on future educators at your grade level. In Texas we have TAFE (Texas Association of Future Educators). Also there is Americorp. Any courses that require you to think on your feet and do public speaking will be good. Speach and Debate or Theatre arts would be helpful. Good luck!
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Kodi’s Answer

I worked in Early Childhood and Education field for 10yrs before switching into tech and have my degree in Childhood Development. Thinking about your question I'm not sure if I would say specific classes that a high school would have that you would need or truly prep you. If you have baby sat or have been around young children in ages 1-5 that is great hands on experience to start. I worked in preschools and elementary schools in the US, China and Japan and sometimes you will have a 2-3yr old child with separation anxiety that will cry for hours until it literally tires itself out and you are there holding him/her comforting while they are screaming in your ear also while teaching the class. You could try to pass the child off but they maybe so attached to you that its better to just stay calm, patient and teach like that. Somethings are mostly learned through experience, classes can teach child development and psychology or latest studies about how to help a child express their feelings to another, talking to them on their level, how to handle situations I described above and many other things. But the best learning that I had was my first job as a preschool teacher where I had 20 5yr olds in my class and more seasoned teachers that gave me great feedback about situations that would happen throughout the day. A child may not always react in a "text book" way and a class can't test you like kids will, because trust me they will test your patience, boundaries, discipline and rules.

I think it's great you are thinking about how to prepare and be ready. But I would honestly say don't worry too much, college courses will prep you and field experience is where you will truly grow. If you can get your hands on Child Development books you can start there. Though the situation I described was on the intense end I will also say that I loved all my kids and it was the most rewarding career that I had. I bonded with many families not just the students. I wouldn't change any of the challenging days because some of the most challenging kids I worked with became some of my favorites. The only reason I switched careers is because financially it wasn't great and starting a family of my own I needed to earn more. I hope this helped and doesn't scare you off with the crying story. Best of luck!
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Jeanne’s Answer

Look for clubs on your high school campus that volunteer with schools. Also, check with your city recreation department where you can work at an after school program or summer programs with youth. It will build experience and resume for future opportunities. There is a class at some high schools called Recreation Admin (or something similar) where high school students volunteer to teach physical education classes at local elementary schools. This gives you practice creating a lesson plan and class managment at an early age. When you get to college Liberal Studies is a great major for teaching Elementary school.
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