A career as a teacher can be rewarding for anyone who enjoys working with youths. But as you consider a career in education, it's important to look at the job outlook for teachers. Depending on the level you want to teach at, the expected growth rate for jobs between 2010 and 2020 varies between 7 percent and 25 percent. The average growth rate during this period for all occupations is expected to be 14 percent. Take this into consideration as you plan for your career.
Preschool Teachers
Preschool teachers are responsible for teaching children ages 3 to 5 and preparing them for kindergarten. As of 2010, 456,800 people were employed as preschool teachers in the United States. Jobs in this occupation are expected to grow faster than average between 2010 and 2020. During that time, the number of jobs is expected to increase by 113,600 -- or 25 percent.
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
As of 2010, 1,655,800 kindergarten and elementary school teachers were employed in the United States. Jobs for these teachers, who typically teach kids from kindergarten to the fifth grade, are expected to grow about as fast as average. Between 2010 and 2020, an additional 281,500 teachers are expected in these positions. This amounts to a 17 percent increase.
Middle School Teachers
Middle school teachers provide an education to kids in the 6th through 8th grades. Jobs are expected to grow for middle school teachers about as fast as average, with 17 percent growth expected between 2010 and 2020. This will make for an additional 108,300 positions on top of the 641,700 jobs as of 2010.
High School Teachers
High school teachers prepare students in grades 9 through 12 for further education or to begin a job after graduation. As of 2010, 1,037,600 high school teachers were employed in the United States. Job growth for high school teachers is expected to be slower than average, with an increase of just 71,900 jobs expected between 2010 and 2020. This would make for an increase of only 7 percent.
References
Writer Bio
M. Scilly is a writer and editor who writes for various online publications, specializing in business and management. He has a fondness for travel and photography. In his free time he enjoys marathon training.