If you’ve ever considered majoring in childhood or adolescent education, now is an excellent time to enter the field. There is a great need right now for teachers, as many public schools, both locally and nationwide, are experiencing a shortage of qualified teachers. This is because many longtime teachers are of retirement age and fewer college students are pursuing teaching degrees. The New York Board of Regents is even planning to lower the passing score on the edTPA, a test potential New York teachers must pass to get a teaching certificate. While there are increasingly fewer teachers, this shortage is causing some districts to increase classroom sizes, which lessens the individual attention some students may need to grasp classroom material.
Math, special education, and science teachers are commonly reported as being needed most, but humanities, including English and foreign languages, are also understaffed. New York is among those particularly in need of math, science, and foreign language teachers. On a brighter note, New York teachers are some of the best paid in the nation, and potential teachers planning to stay in-state can make a good living as well as have fulfilling careers.
Teaching careers can be rewarding. Teachers have the opportunity to make a difference in children’s lives by introducing them to new ideas and information that helps them throughout their lives. Teaching is often considered a great way to give back to the local community, due to helping students in the moment and ultimately being an investment in the students’ and area’s future. While traditional students are typically thought of for these types of degrees, teaching can also be a great option for adult students, particularly parents who know how to work with children already and can enjoy having summers free to be with their own children.
If teaching seems like a good fit for you, you can explore your options affordably here at SUNY Ulster. We offer four education degree pathways: Math and Science B-6 and 7-12 and Humanities & Social Science B-6 and 7-12. Each of these degree programs are specialized for what students would like to teach one day, such as Earth Science, English, Math, and History, as well as an option to seamlessly transfer into SUNY New Paltz.
