In 2008, the U.S. Department of Education estimated that there would be a teacher shortage due to an increase in retirements of baby boomers as well as those who became frustrated with the profession for any variety of reasons. Apparently this has not been the case. Due to the poor economy, a great number of veteran teachers have delayed or postponed retirement because of the uncertainty of their pensions and benefits and the uncertainty of the financial markets where their retirement funds are invested. To make matter worse, many states and municipalities in a effort to develop more austere budgets, have cut school spending and have laid off teachers, even those with considerable experience.
There is yet another side to this dilemma that is exacerbating the problem. Colleges of education throughout the country are still churning out teacher candidates every semester with virtually little hope for them to secure employment. A recent article in the Miami Herald (Florida) spoke about the plight of Broward College. The school recently converted from a two year to a four year institution and began to institute a teacher preparation program. Several of the recent graduates were able to land teacher positions but were laid shortly thereafter due to a lack of funds. It is my view that this situation may become more critical down the road as a number of potentially great teachers get frustrated with the system and move to other career options. This phenomenon can even be seen in the increase in applications for the Teach for America program. In 2010, there were over 46,000 applications and only about 10% of the applicants were selected to participate in the program. Many graduates, both recent and those out of school for a while are also clogging the substitute teacher roles. Many are desperate and want to find any work in the field. Neil Shnider, executive director of the American Associate for Advancement in Education has observed for several years that the jobs ( for teachers( are “ just not there.”)
Some of you will no doubt be successful in landing a teaching position for the fall. You need to be flexible as what what state, grade or subject. Look at private and parochial schools as well as public schools. Do not forget to take a look at the US Department of Defense schools at overseas military bases.(http://www.dodea.edu/offices/hr/onlineapplication/default.htm)
If you truly have it in your heart to become a teacher, you will find your way into the classroom. Good luck!
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