What does the education job market look like? (or, put another way, will I be able to find a satisfying teaching position?) Growth in the student population, efforts to reduce class size, and ongoing teacher retirements have increased the demand for teachers, while budget shortfalls have curtailed hiring in some areas. It is predicted that more than two million teachers will be needed in the next decade, and certain areas, such as math, science, bilingual and special education are experiencing a serious teacher shortage. Urban school districts and the federal government are offering signing bonuses, housing assistance, and loan forgiveness to attract teachers, but rural areas also face a teacher shortage. While students of color constitute nearly 40 percent of the school population, only about 15 percent of new teachers are of color.
Can I make a decent salary as a teacher? Teacher salaries have steadily improved in the last twenty years, although increases have been more modest in the last ten years. Beginning teachers average above $30,000, the average teacher earns in the $40,000, yet some school districts pay considerably more.
How can new teachers increase their chances of working in a school of their choice? A strong résumé provides prospective employers with critical information. A portfolio goes beyond a résumé by providing actual artifacts of a candidate's qualifications. Some portfolios, called e-portfolios, can be constructed and transferred electronically. Exploring a teaching position takes careful planning, as do interviews. Teaching candidates need to learn about the schools and faculties they are considering joining, and give careful consideration to questions such as: Do other teachers enjoy working in this school? Are benefits satisfactory? What are the children like? What kind of support do teachers receive? Does the community support its school system? 4 What do I need in order to teach—a license or certification? (and how do I get one!) Teacher certification indicates that a professional group recognizes or certifies that a teacher is competent and has met certain standards. A teacher's license, issued by the state government, grants the legal right to teach. Teacher certification is a professional designation; a teacher's license is a legal document. Requirements for teacher licensure differ from state to state. A teacher's license in one state may not be valid in another, unless the states have entered into a compact or reciprocity agreement. Accreditation of college-level teacher education programs can facilitate new graduates becoming eligible for multistate teacher licenses. States issue various types of teaching licenses, from initial or probationary to special licenses for administration and counseling. Endorsements enable experienced teachers to gain additional licensure in a second subject area.
What teacher competency tests do I need to take? Teacher competency tests are used for admission into teacher education programs, for certification, and for licensure. Teacher competency tests are required in most states. (See Appendix 1 for more specific details.) Praxis I focuses on basic literacy, Praxis II on pedagogy and subject area competence, and the less used Praxis III on classroom performance. Many states have designed their own competency tests, which they require prospective teachers to take before being licensed. The purpose, use and appropriateness of teacher tests is intensely debated by educators and politicians. Despite these controversies, there is strong support from the public and from politicians for testing teachers and their students.
Why do teachers seek tenure? (and should I?) After demonstrating teaching competence for the specified period (usually 2–5 years), a teacher may be awarded tenure, which provides a substantial degree of job security. While tenure preserves academic freedom and protects teachers from arbitrary and unjust dismissal, it can also provide job security for ineffective teachers.
Are there jobs in education outside of the classroom? An education degree prepares you not only for a teaching career, but for many educationrelated careers as well, in areas such as early childhood education, adult education, counseling and advising, and distance learning, and in organizations such as nonprofits, educational associations, private corporations, government agencies, and the media.
