Hot Jobs In Education

Career World, Nov-Dec, 2001 by Mark Rowh

Few career areas are more important than education. Without teachers and other education staff, a modern technological society would not be possible. We would have no scientists, engineers, or doctors, let alone presidents or other leaders. By passing on knowledge about everything from reading and writing to advanced studies in scores of fields, teachers improve people's lives and make the world a better place for everyone.

"Education provides an opportunity to make a difference," says Dr. Alan O'Dell, a professor of education and director of clinical and field experiences at Mississippi College. "Perhaps the greatest satisfaction is that you get to see young people grow."

Along with the intrinsic value of such careers, a definite plus is that plenty of job opportunities exist for those interested in the field. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 2.8 million teachers are employed in the United States, not to mention more than 200,000 administrative staff members. That's a lot of jobs!

Of course in a field as diverse as education, job demands vary. In teeming cities, openings may be numerous due to population growth. In rural areas, employment may be more stable, which may mean less turnover and fewer openings for teachers and others in the educational field. Even in less populated areas, however, the next few years may hold solid prospects for those interested in breaking into the field. With many "baby boomers" at or near retirement age, more and more replacements will be needed.

High-Demand Jobs

Job prospects also vary within specific teaching fields and related areas. Here is a look at some of the hottest areas in education:

Bilingual teachers. As American society grows more diverse, schools must educate more students whose native language is not English. As a result, demand is increasing for teachers who can teach in two languages. In some cases, this involves teaching English to students who normally speak Spanish or another language. In others, it means conducting classes in two languages, shifting from one to the other, so that students can master English but can also understand the content of the lesson better by hearing it in their native language. Under this approach, teachers must be adept at both languages, in addition to having a command of the subject areas they teach.

Teachers who are bilingual may have an inside track on job openings, especially in districts with large immigrant populations. Once employed, they often face stimulating and challenging work as they help students from other cultures make the most of their educational experience.

Special education teachers. Teachers of special education are in big demand today. Several factors have led to expansion in this area, including general population growth, enhanced testing programs, and legal requirements for meeting the needs of students with special needs. In addition, the challenges of working with students in this group, which may include those with physical, perceptual, developmental, or emotional problems, make it less popular than many other teaching areas. In truth, special education is not for everyone. But if you have the patience to work with students who need the extra help provided by the special education faculty, this can be an exciting career opportunity.

In many states, the need for special education teachers is so great that school districts are hiring candidates who are not yet certified in special education, and then paying for the classes they need for full certification. For those eager to break into education or to switch over from other occupations, this can be a good way to start.

Math and science teachers. Teachers of math and science are among the most sought-after educators today. Some specialize in one field, such as chemistry or biology; others focus on math. Still others, especially at the lower grade levels, teach more than one subject.

Teachers in this area focus heavily on the content of their respective disciplines. Since their fields are often considered among the most difficult subjects offered, they face special challenges in presenting the subject to students.

A problem facing school districts is that sometimes they can't find enough qualified math and science teachers. Fewer college students major in these disciplines than in many other fields, and of those who do, most take jobs in industry or go on to graduate school. For those who would like to become teachers of science or math, though, this is an opportunity rather than a problem, because there is a continuing demand for new teachers.

Educational administrators. Teachers are the heart of any school system, but other educators are also important. Among them are principals, assistant principals, superintendents, and other administrators. They provide leadership for schools and other educational organizations.

Administrators hire teachers and other staff, manage budgets, and oversee the day-to-day operation of schools or school districts. They also help develop new programs, evaluate the success of existing operations, and make plans for the future.