A reader recently asked:
“I am about to obtain alternative Elementary certification in Texas, and would like to know about the best prospects for a teaching career. Specifically, which fields are projected to be in most demand in the next 20 years, e.g., Math, Science, Technology, English, Social Studies, etc.”
Understanding Supply and Demand is important across the United States. While the following information is specific to Texas, the reader’s targeted area, the information is transferrable to other states and regions as well.
In the State of Texas, there continues to be a shortage of secondary math and science teachers. The Texas Education Agency has released the statewide teacher shortage areas for the 2012-2013 school year:
-Bilingual Education/English as a Second Language
-Foreign Languages
-Mathematics
-Science
-Special Education
For more information, check out: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index4.aspx?id=2147505926 >(For readers exploring other states, check the specific state department of education and/or teacher agency for the state(s) you have targeted.)
The spring issue of the Occupational Outlook Quarterly provides information for the 2010-2020 national job outlook. It shows the projected change for kindergarten and elementary teachers will be 7%, about as fast as average. To check national data, visit: http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2012/spring/spring2012ooq.pdf
Of course, it’s not realistic to predict with certainty which teaching certifications will be in demand in 20 years, but it appears that secondary science and math will continue to be in high demand, not only in Texas but throughout the United States. For more information on Supply and Demand, see the report in the 2013 Job Search Handbook for Educators, published by AAEE (www.aaee.org).
Carolyn Muska, Associate Director
Career Services
Baylor University