If you are pursing a high school teaching job, you can rest easy knowing that you’re making a smart decision. Not only will you be shaping the future of our country, you’ll be entering a sector with anticipated growth for at least the next seven years.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that, through at least 2018, high school teachers will enjoy a 9% growth rate in jobs, representing an increase of approximately 100,000 new jobs from the period between 2008 and 2018. High school teachers already represent more than 1 million teachers nationwide, or, roughly one third of all teaching jobs in the United States.
Teaching is a growing job sector, in part because it cannot be outsourced. So while other U.S. job sectors, like manufacturing, are shrinking as jobs shift to lower-cost labor markets overseas, the domestic demand for teachers continues to grow.
Another reason for the rising demand in teachers is the increase in school enrollment for U.S. children, particularly at schools in the South and West. The more the U.S. population under the age of 18 expands, the more the demand for teachers increases.
Still another reason cited by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for the increasing demand for new teachers is the anticipated number of existing teachers expected to retire through 2018. Just as air traffic controllers and law enforcement officers are experiencing a natural aging-out at an above-average percentage of their workforce, so too are many teachers reaching standard retirement ages.
Considerations to make yourself a more competitive high school teaching job applicant include being geographically mobile, obtaining licensure in more than one subject, and specializing in subject areas of mathematics and science. High school teachers with qualifications in chemistry and physics are projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to be the most competitive high school teachers by academic specialty.
Teaching at the high school level can be particularly rewarding, as you are in the unique position to assist students progress into adulthood and on to college and careers. With the added insight of the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ anticipated 9% growth in the field of high school teaching jobs, a serious consideration of pursuing a high school teaching job resembles a report card with straight As.
