subject: Trends Bring About More Jobs For Teachers [print this page] Although the national percentage of jobs for teachers remains steady compared to the total United States job market, trends have shown that opportunities increase for teachers who have certain qualities and gifts. As the trends continue, these talents will be in greater and greater need.
For example, in 1950 through 1960, home economics educators were in very high demand. The 1960s saw a market for teachers with a background in music and art. The '70s brought a surge of interest in science.
There are three main areas that the trends seem to suggest are the new source of jobs for teachers in 2010. Although it's difficult to predict trends, these appear to be in higher demand:
Special education: This term covers almost any form of education that occurs outside of a traditional classroom setting. Special education can include working with physically disabled children, students with learning disabilities, teens with emotional difficulties, or young adults with traumatic injuries.
Jobs for teachers in special education can be challenging and demandingbut also extremely rewarding. Special education teachers often describe it as their "calling."
English as a Second Language (ESL): Although the immigration rate to the U.S. has remained stable for several years, the total immigrant population of the U.S. continues to rise. With this, the total number of jobs for teachers who specialize in ESL constantly grows.
It is not completely necessary for a teacher who specializes in ESL to be fluent in a second language. But they do need to be able to empathize with the difficulty their students face in learning English. This requires some cultural sensitivity, as well as an ability to explain complex concepts in simple, easy words. Although it can sometimes be challenging, there are teachers out there who are up to these difficult tasks.
Immersion language: As the U.S. plays a larger role in the international community, schools are realizing the important role a foreign language plays in doing business abroad. As the internet becomes a larger part of the business world, language barriers are going to need to be overcome in the class rooms. As a result, many school districts are establishing language magnet schools or immersion classesin some cases by adding new jobs for teachers.
If you have a strong command of a second language, an immersion language class may provide a fun, rewarding setting.
Just like every other trend, opportunity depends on demand and popularity. This is also true for jobs for teach. But by keeping an eye on the trendsand matching them to your interestsyou could find a great fit.
