Forget Doctors and Engineers, the US Is Desperately Seeking Teachers: 66,000 Job Openings Available, How Can Indian Educators Take Advantage?

When people think of job opportunities in the United States, they often associate them with professions like doctors and engineers. However, there is a surprising demand for teachers in the US, a need that is becoming increasingly critical.

Teaching Jobs in the US
While many international students choose to pursue studies in fields like medicine, computer science, or engineering, you might be surprised to learn that the US is currently facing a severe shortage of teachers, not doctors or engineers. According to government data, the US is hiring over 66,000 teachers annually. In fact, there are 365,000 teachers across 48 states, including the District of Columbia, who are not even certified, but are still teaching due to the lack of qualified professionals. Additionally, more than 45,000 teacher vacancies remain unfilled across 31 states.

This means that anyone willing to become a teacher in the US will likely find a job relatively easily, with several openings available.

How Can You Become a Teacher in the US?
If you aspire to teach in the US, it’s essential to understand the process. Becoming a teacher in the US requires specific education and certification steps. Here’s how you can go about it:

1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
   To begin with, you need to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in a subject of your choice, such as Mathematics, Science, English, or any other area you are interested in teaching.
2. Complete a Teacher Preparation Program
   Along with your bachelor’s degree, you must also complete a teacher preparation program. This can be done during your undergraduate studies or as part of a graduate program. The preparation program teaches crucial skills such as classroom management, effective teaching methods, and how to motivate and inspire students. It is a practical program designed to equip you with hands-on teaching experience.
3. Pass Required Exams
   To teach in public schools in the US, teachers must pass certain state-required exams, such as the Praxis test, which assesses both teaching skills and knowledge of the subject matter. In states like California, teachers are required to pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), proving proficiency in teaching as well as subject-specific knowledge. Other states have similar exams. Passing these exams is a requirement for obtaining a teaching license.
4. Obtain a Teaching License
   Once you have completed the necessary exams, you need to apply for a state-issued teaching license or certification. This license is mandatory for all teachers in public schools in the US. Each state has its own process for issuing licenses, but the general process involves submitting your qualifications and exam results to the state education department for approval.

Once you have obtained your teaching license, you can apply for teaching jobs and start your career as an educator in the US.