The Demand
Teaching positions in pre, elementary, and secondary schools are expected to increase at an average rate in the future. However, demand will be greatest for teachers with expertise in science, math, and bilingual education.
The Statistics
The annual employment change for all teachers combined is around 5% annually in years 2018-2028. Postsecondary Teachers are expected to see the fastest growth, 11% in years 2018-2028.
Employment change for preschool teachers is expected to be around 7% which is slightly faster than the average. Employment growth for Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers and Special Education Teachers is expected to be around 3-4%.
During this same period, growth for teaching jobs is expected to increase quickest in Georgia, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada. Growth is projected to increase at the smallest rate in the Northwest.
Teachers willing to move and licensed in multiple subjects will enjoy more job opportunities than teachers licensed in only one subject and unwilling to relocate.
Job growth for teachers will only increase if more public money is allocated for education and more legislative effort is made to expand educational programs. Currently, the federal government is allocating more money to hire teachers in areas with a lot of poverty.
Likewise, many state legislatures are funding preschool programs, so all children, regardless of their parents’ income, can attend preschool. Greater demand for preschool programs, in conjunction with greater public emphasis being placed on early childhood education, will increase job opportunities for people interested in teaching preschool aged children.
Job Prospects
During the next decade, geographic factors, subject expertise, and grade level will affect the availability of teaching jobs. Since many teachers will retire within the next decade, the majority of new teachers will fill these vacant job openings.
Read Also:
– How to Become a Teacher