I am currently a grad. student in a counselor education program bc I wanted to be a school counselor. Basically I love children, they give me energy, and I wanted to be a role model, inspire them, be a positive influence in their lives and I thought being a counselor would be the right career choice.

Fast forward to the beginning of my 2nd practicum ( just a few weeks ago) and it hit me like a ton of bricks that I am not satisfied with the role of being "counselor". I have found taht being a school counselor is very much a paper-pusher/extension of administration/and I do not get to work with children as much as I would have thought.

This past summer I had a month long job as an aide for a teacher and LOVED going everyday and it was so satisfying bc I was actually working with the kids on daily basis. I realize that as a teacher I can do all of the things I wanted to do as a counselor and even have more influence bc I will be with them everyday instead of seeing them once a week for 30 mins.

Now that I have decided to change my career path, I need some basic information and was hoping someone could leave me a quick reply.

1. I am 5 classes and an internship away from gaining my masters in counselor education...should I just quit the program and apply to a grad. program to teach? I mean, once you become a teacher does it really matter if I have an extra degree, but at the same time, it feels I wasted 2 years of my life if I don't finish it?

2. As I am researching different teaching programs. I find taht some offer M.A. degrees and others M.Ed. degrees. What is the differemce and does it matter which one you get?

3. How much does it matter which university you attend to get a teaching degree? I looked online and there are over 200 institutions! as long as the university has an accreditated program is that good enough?

4. Any other advice?

Thank you so much!!!
Jiyon