Benefits of Multi-Subject vs. Single-Subject Teaching

Written by Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur

Teaching Subjects in Education

Individuals considering becoming teachers have decisions to make about which academic subjects they would be best suited for and the best grades to teach. Academic subjects or disciplines can cover almost anything students need or want to learn in school, but some of the most common include the following.

• English or Language Arts: Those who teach English or Language Arts focus on reading, writing, and critical thinking. This includes teaching students how to read and write and introducing them to quality children's literature in early grades. As students progress through school, teachers continue to help students build reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, along with focusing on various literary genres.
• Math: Math teachers may focus on the building blocks of counting, adding, subtraction, multiplication, and division, or they may teach more complex concepts such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus.
• Science: Those who teach science introduce their students to the wonders of the natural and physical world. Topics covered may include physical science, biology, astronomy, and chemistry.
• History and Social Studies: History and Social Studies teachers help students explore the past and its impact on the present. They help the past come to life for students and explain how it is relevant today. They also help students understand and discuss current events in a meaningful way.
• Art: Art teachers help students explore their creativity. They can instruct students in various art methods and materials and introduce students to famous artists and art movements from the past.
• Music: Those who teach music help students learn musical notation, how to sing or play an instrument, and how to work with others in a chorus or band. They can help students conquer stage fright and be confident performing in front of an audience. They can also teach appreciation for various types of music.

When teaching subjects, teachers sometimes focus on one at a time, known as single-subject teaching, but there are many times when teaching subjects together as multi-subjects is encouraged.

Multi-Subjects and Single-Subjects to Teach

Teachers who teach the elementary grades (usually kindergarten through either fifth or sixth grade) are typically multi-subject teachers. This means that they are responsible for teaching most, if not all, academic subjects that students learn in a day. This means they need to have a broad knowledge of many subjects and pedagogical knowledge to present those various subjects in a way that will keep students engaged. They can also combine subject lessons when appropriate to demonstrate to students that most academic subjects are related in meaningful ways. For example, they may use math to take measurements and create graphs in a science experiment or study the art and literature of a given time period as part of a history lesson.

Middle-school and high school teachers are often single-subject teachers. They may teach one or two academic subjects to different groups of students throughout the day. For example, a high-school math teacher may teach algebra to ninth graders and AP Calculus to twelfth graders at various points in the school day.

Prospective teachers deciding which subjects to teach should consider which grade level they would like to work with and whether they want to be a multi-subject or single-subject teacher.

Multi-Subject vs. Single Subject: Benefits

Teaching subjects across the curriculum in a multi-subject classroom has several benefits.

Teaching in a single-subject classroom also has benefits.

Benefits of Teaching Specialty Classes

Some teachers focus on teaching specialty classes such as drama, physical education, or foreign languages. For prospective teachers passionate about these subjects, becoming a specialty teacher can be rewarding as a part-time or full-time job. Some specialty teachers combine their work in the classroom with other work. For example, a drama teacher might teach one or two classes and oversee school productions while working as an actor after school or on weekends. A physical education teacher might also work as a coach or physical trainer. Teaching can provide a steady supplemental source of income as well as the opportunity to work with young people significantly. They can be mentors for a younger generation while having the chance to share their skills.

Because they may work with a smaller group of students, as not everyone takes specialty classes, teachers can get to know these students well. They can help them more extensively than a teacher with many students might be able to. They can offer assistance when students are struggling. They can also help students, especially those in large schools, feel seen and connected to the school community; so they don't fall through the cracks of the educational system.

Types of Teachers

Teachers are often divided into categories depending on what grade levels and subjects they teach.

1. Preschool Teachers prepare children for kindergarten. They give students a head start on school. While they may incorporate some basic academic learning, such as working with the alphabet and numbers, a great deal of the focus is on providing opportunities for meaningful play and helping students learn how to behave within a school community.
2. Elementary Teachers teach students from kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade. They are often multi-subject teachers with the same students in their classroom for most or all of the day. Because they are with the same group of students for a longer time, they can significantly impact their students' lives. They provide students with a strong foundation of academic skills that students will need as they progress into middle school and high school.
3. Middle School Teachers most often teach grades six through eight. Middle school teachers usually teach one or two subjects to different groups of students in each class period. They may also be involved as advisors for school activities.
4. High School Teachers teach grades nine through twelve and help give students the academic foundations they need to succeed in college or the workplace. They are single-subject teachers who can provide students with a strong understanding of that particular academic discipline. They often teach a variety of students and grade levels throughout the day. They may also help out with school clubs or activities.
5. Specialty Teachers may work at any grade level. They focus on a particular subject, such as drama or physical education, and work with different students at different times. They can share their passion for a subject with students and inspire young learners.
6. Vocational Teachers help high school or college students learn a trade, such as carpentry, culinary arts, welding, or cosmetology. They share their hard-earned professional knowledge to support students in developing marketable skills.

Types of Teaching Degrees

Prospective or current teachers may earn various types of teaching degrees to enter the educational field or advance their careers. The degree(s) an individual chooses to pursue will depend on their career goals, the teacher certifications they hold or hope to obtain, and what grade and subject levels they want to teach.

Associate Degrees

This degree level is an option for those who want to work in entry-level positions in early childhood education as preschool teachers. In some states, students with an associate degree can work as teacher assistants or substitute teachers, which may be a way for prospective teachers to earn money while continuing their education to become certified teachers.

Bachelor's Degrees

An undergraduate degree is the usual requirement for entry-level teacher certification at the elementary, middle, or high school level. Early childhood educators who want to advance in their careers may also pursue a bachelor's degree. Students hoping to become certified teachers are often required to have a double major. This is especially true for those aiming to become high school teachers. Because high school teachers tend to focus on a single subject, they are expected to have a strong educational background in that subject. For example, someone wanting to become a high school history teacher would major in secondary education and history.

Master's Degrees

Graduate degrees are sometimes required for full teacher certification. Often teachers can work toward this degree while working as a teacher. Other times, individuals with bachelor's degrees in other areas may earn a master's degree as a pathway to teacher certification. Depending on requirements, teachers may earn a Master of Arts in Teaching, a Master's Degree in Education, or a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Design. Within those general degrees, teachers may concentrate on a specific area, such as special education or becoming a reading specialist. Teachers can make themselves more marketable by obtaining certifications in multiple areas. This allows them to cast a wide net when searching for jobs and may also help them earn a higher salary.

Doctorate Degrees

These are offered for teachers who wish to move into administrative roles or want to teach future teachers at the college or university level. Teachers with doctorate degrees may get jobs as school superintendents or educational consultants, helping to create policies based on the latest educational research and advising parents on educational choices for their children. They also may be involved in educational research, helping determine educational best practices. Some degrees at this level include a Doctorate in Education, Educational Specialist, or a Doctorate in Curriculum or Instruction.

Fields of Specialization in Education

Some teachers choose to focus on a field of specialization in education and become special education teachers, reading specialists, or bilingual education teachers.

Special Education

Teachers passionate about working with students with special needs may choose to become special education teachers. These teachers help students with learning, behavioral, or physical challenges to reach their learning potential in the classroom. Special education teachers may work in a classroom designed solely for students with special needs or in an inclusive classroom, assisting students with special needs who have been mainstreamed in a regular classroom. Special education teachers help develop and implement Individual Education Plans. They also communicate regularly with parents regarding student needs and progress. They can help advise mainstream teachers on best practices for teaching those with special needs. Depending on their certifications, they may assist with diagnosing special needs.

Reading Specialists

Reading is a fundamental skill, but it does not come easily for all children. Reading specialists are experts in teaching children how to read. They work with students individually and in small groups to help build their literacy skills. They may help with professional development to instruct other teachers on best practices for teaching reading.

Bilingual Teachers

Many students are taught in classrooms where the material is presented in English and another language. Bilingual teachers should be fluent in both English and another language so they can communicate flawlessly orally and in writing. They have all the challenges of traditional classroom teaching with the added pressure of presenting materials in two different languages. The goal is to help students make academic progress while learning English and preserving their native culture. In some cases, bilingual education is used to teach native English speakers how to be fluent in a second language through an immersive program.

What Subjects Should I Teach?

Prospective teachers may be overwhelmed by the number of choices regarding their future careers. They may wonder, What subject should I teach? It is important to consider personal preferences and teaching style when choosing a subject area to focus on. If a prospective teacher wants to work with younger children, they will most likely be teaching all the subjects. In that case, they need a well-rounded education that teaches them the basics of language arts, math, science, history, and art. They will need to bring a level of enthusiasm to all of those subjects to keep students engaged and learning in the classroom.

Teachers who want to focus on middle school or high-school-age students need to decide on one or two subjects to focus on. Is there a subject that they are deeply interested in? What makes them excited? What can they imagine teaching all day, every day? What knowledge do they want to share with others? If a college student is undecided about their major and education degree, taking introductory classes in a few different subjects can help fulfill core requirements while helping them choose what interests them most. They may discover a love for a subject they had not previously considered. Prospective teachers who have already earned a bachelor's degree in a given subject or who have been working in a particular subject area for many years may naturally gravitate toward teaching that subject.

Teachers need to be excited about what they are teaching so that they can share that enthusiasm with others. If teachers are not interested in the material, students will not be interested either. Classes will be boring and uninspired for both the teacher and the students. For that reason, prospective teachers need to choose carefully when selecting what grade level and subject matter to focus on in their college studies.

Most In-Demand Teaching Subjects

While teachers, in general, are currently in high demand, there are some areas in which the need is greatest. While these may vary depending on the state one lives in, some of the most in-demand teaching subjects include early childhood education, mathematics, science, bilingual education, English as a second language, foreign languages, and special education.

Early Childhood Education

Teachers can begin working in early childhood settings with an associate degree. If a prospective teacher loves working with the youngest learners, this is a great place to begin.

Mathematics

While elementary school teachers need a strong understanding of the basics of math and how to teach those basics to children, middle school and high school teachers need an excellent grasp of more advanced math concepts. Those who love math and want to share it with older students would be wise to consider pursuing a bachelor's degree in secondary education and math.

Science

Middle school and high school science teachers need to be able to encourage students in their scientific exploration. They need to understand scientific concepts and be able to explain them in ways that students can comprehend. They need strong classroom management skills to be able to supervise scientific experiments. Those interested in becoming science teachers can earn a bachelor's degree in a scientific field, such as biology or chemistry, and secondary education.

Bilingual Teachers

To be a bilingual teacher, being fluent in English and one other language is essential. Bilingual teachers have all the responsibilities of any other teacher but must present material in a culturally sensitive manner in two languages. A bachelor's degree is required, and a master's degree is often preferred.

English as a Second Language

ESL teachers teach students where English is not their native language. They teach only in English but must be aware of the challenges of those learning English as a second language. They do not need to be bilingual, although it can be helpful when teaching students with no English knowledge. A bachelor's degree is necessary.

Foreign Language

Foreign language teachers earn a bachelor's degree in education and in the particular language they are interested in teaching, such as Spanish, French, or Latin. They are responsible for teaching correct grammar and pronunciation as well as introducing students to the cultures associated with the language. Being a native speaker is not necessary but can be helpful.

Special Education

Special education teachers work with students who have special physical, cognitive, or emotional needs. They work together with other school professionals and parents to develop Individual Education Plans for students and then ensure that these plans are carried out in the classroom. A bachelor's degree is required, and a master's degree is often helpful.