You say you are a grad student, future educator? Well then, why not do what you do best, EDUCATE yourself and LEARN about both breeds? This is a Rottweiler forum. It's been told that if anyone wants to learn about the breed, this place is a college education full of information. Read all the stickys. Do searches and read, read and read. Then find yourself a GSD forum. There hopefully you will learn all about that breed. Then start going to shows, find a working club and attend. Observe both these "
working breeds" in action. After that, then think long and hard on what you want either one for. Possibly find a good mentor who will guide you along. After all that, then make a choice. But please don't just run out and get "either" breed just to get a dog. Also, when you do decide, be careful on where you purchase your dog from.
That's another time though, you have a lot to learn
before that.
Welcome to the forum. You got a lot of reading to do. If you type the word "hugs" in the search section, (above toolbar) you will find your answer(s).