Thinking about pursuing an online bachelor of science degree in order to become a teacher? High demand for teachers means it’s an excellent time to start your education career. Here are the top five reasons for the growing demand for teachers.
- Population growth. The number of school-age students is expected to grow. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), total elementary and secondary enrollment is projected to increase 2% between fall 2016 and fall 2026, when enrollment is expected to reach 56.8 million.1
- Teachers retiring or leaving the profession. Members of the baby-boom generation make up about 50% of the nation’s teaching population. As boomers are aging, they are choosing to retire or switch to other professions. At the opposite end of the career longevity spectrum, younger generations of teachers are choosing to exit the education field more quickly. Since 1994, the number of teachers leaving the classroom each year for reasons other than retirement has doubled.2
- Growing population of English language learners. Changing demographics throughout the U.S. indicate a higher number of non-native English-language speakers. According to data gathered by the Census Bureau, 41% of people who speak another language at home reported that they speak English less than very well. This is driving the need for teachers of English as a second language (ESL) and for English language learner (ELL) teachers.
- Subject area shortages. Different states have different shortages, but the highest demands are for qualified teachers in these subjects:
- Special education
- Mathematics
- Sciences
- English as a second language (ESL)
- Reinstatement of classes and programs that were reduced or cut during the Great Recession. During the Great Recession, defined as the period between December 2007 and June 2009, nearly 300,000 teachers and other school employees lost their jobs. School systems want to bring back pre-recession teacher-pupil ratios, reinstate classes, and re-establish programs in the arts, vocational and special education, and foreign languages.
Certified teachers at the kindergarten and elementary school levels are needed across the country. An online teaching degree can set you on the path toward becoming such a teacher.
Walden University is an accredited institution offering a BS in Elementary Education (Teacher Licensure) degree program online. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.
1Source: https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=65
2Source: https://nctaf.org/announcements/nations-schools-facing-largest-teacher-retirement-wave-in-history/
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.