Save the Nation by Teaching Math and Science

During this decade, there will be a need for between 2.2 and 2.4 million teachers; this represents around 250,000 vacancies for teachers by the end of the decade in elementary and secondary schools. Added to this is the fact of a rising median age in teachers, now around 45 with more than 30% over 50.

Grave Shortages in Math and Science Teaching

However, this is only the tip of the iceberg. These vacancies are not spread evenly across all subject areas; there are worrying shortages for English, math and science teachers, plus teachers qualified in special needs.

More than 24% of teachers in secondary schools are teaching subjects that are outside their core areas; they don't have a college major or minor in the subject they are teaching in. Teaching sath and science, the figures are worse; 37% of people teaching Math, and 31% of people teaching Science don't have the right qualifications for their subject.

This situation is going to get worse, as less people are inspired to study these subjects in higher education. Those that do are less likely to go into teaching math and science. Of course, with an increase in technology in business and personal life, the need for math-and science-educated people is increasing, and the need to be sure that everyone has a basic grounding in the subject is imperative.

Retrain to Teach Math and Science

So how can this be changed? The government is running several schemes to encourage teachers to retrain, to encourage math and science graduates to go into teaching, and to encourage people to study sath and science. If these sound appealing to you, then you need to look on one of the government teaching recruitment websites, or get in touch with your local education authority. You can retrain and take teaching as a second career, and in this case you should consider online degrees and online teaching programs as a part of your retraining strategy.

Teaching is a great profession - not only do you have job security; you have the satisfaction of knowing you are contributing to society. Teaching math and science will also mean that you are contributing to the economic health of the nation.

Sources:

• http://www.ericdigests.org/pre-922/math.htm
• http://www.recruitingteachers.org/channels/clearinghouse/becometeacher/121_teachershort.htm

About the Author
Mary Hobson is a consultant for technology start-ups in Russia. She has also worked as an executive officer in a defense facility and as a university lecturer in computer science and management information. Mary earned her first degree in textile marketing and subsequently studied education and computer science at a Master's degree level.