If qualified teachers are leaving the industry and college students change majors to abandon their goal of teaching, won’t the demand for qualified and experience educators significantly rise in the near future? Yes. Schools, colleges, and universities will be searching for teachers and professors to fill future positions created by those who have left, opted out, or retired. If the qualified applicant pool is shrinking, then aspiring teachers or experienced teachers who remain in the industry will soon be in demand. Don’t be afraid of change. The teaching industry must evolve for it is dependent upon advances in research, technology, and the continuous changes of societal needs. The good news is, we will find that these changes will create new job positions, new programs, and new classes; thus requiring the employment of more qualified teachers and administrators. The supply and demand relationship will soon be in the favor of the professional who advanced their education and experience during this recession.

I encourage those working on becoming a public educator or higher education professor to stay the course. This is the time to invest in yourself. As the economy struggles to recover, pursue another academic degree or educational skill for that extra competitive edge. I suggest becoming fluent in an educational IT application, learn a new language, enroll in Graduate School, or complete a new certificate. With these skills, you will soon find a world desperately needing your services.

Education has become a global industry, interconnected by a limitless and evolving curriculum, online education, study abroad programs, private and public schools, vocational institutions, and a domestic and international need for qualified educators. Be steadfast, market yourself, and we will once again embrace a thriving profession.