Supply and Demand for Teachers in Texas
There will always be a need for GREAT teachers. Regardless of temporary economic conditions, hiring practices, budget cuts or any other factors that impact the education system, the need for teachers is timeless and universal. Society will ALWAYS need educators, and in that respect, teaching is one career in which you can be confident you will always have a purpose.
The need for teachers is quite real. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011, employment of teachers is expected to grow by 13% between 2008 and 2018. In 2008, there were about 3.5 million kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school teachers in the country, so we can expect almost another 500,000 to be hired by 2018. Also indicative of the high demand for teachers is the large volume of grants available for teachers.
The specific needs of schools vary from district to district. Some areas, particularly in high-needs schools in the south and west, have higher needs for teachers. There is also a demand for teachers by subject, with certain academic areas needing teachers more than others.
Texas Highlights
Avg. Elementary School Teacher Salary:$52,810
Avg. Secondary School Teacher Salary:$53,640
Vacation Weeks per Year17
Pupil/Teacher Ratio:15.40
Expenditure per Pupil:$8,593
Teacher salaries are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2015 Occupational Employment Statistics External link report
A teacher shortage area is defined by the U.S. Department of Education External link as “an area of specific grade, subject matter or discipline classification, or a geographic area in which … there is an inadequate supply of elementary or secondary school teachers.” The Department allows states to identify their own teacher shortage areas, but encourages them to follow a prescribed methodology based on unfilled teaching positions, teaching positions filled by instructors with irregular certifications, and positions filled by teachers certified in other subject areas.
- Bilingual/ESL
- Elementary
- Secondary
- Career and Technical Education
- Computer Science/Technology Applications
- Mathematics
- Science
- Special Education
- Elementary
- Secondary
| Quick Facts: Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers | |
| 2017 Median Pay | $56,900 per year |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2016 | 1,565,300 |
| Job Outlook, 2016-26 | 7% (As fast as average) |
| Employment Change, 2016-26 | 116,300 |
What Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers Do
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects, such as math and reading, in order to prepare them for future schooling.
Work Environment
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers work in public and private schools. They generally work school hours when students are present and use nights and weekends to prepare lessons and grade papers. Most kindergarten and elementary school teachers do not work during the summer.
| Middle School Teachers | |
| 2017 Median Pay | $57,720 per year |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2016 | 630,300 |
| Job Outlook, 2016-26 | 8% (As fast as average) |
| Employment Change, 2016-26 | 47,300 |
What Middle School Teachers Do
Middle school teachers educate students, typically in sixth through eighth grades. They help students build on the fundamentals they learned in elementary school and prepare them for the more difficult curriculum they will face in high school.
Work Environment
Middle school teachers work in public and private schools. They generally work during school hours when students are present, and use nights and weekends to prepare lessons and grade papers. Most do not work during the summer.
| High School Teachers | |
| 2017 Median Pay | $59,170 per year |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2016 | 1,018,700 |
| Job Outlook, 2016-26 | 8% (As fast as average) |
| Employment Change, 2016-26 | 76,800 |
What High School Teachers Do
High school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.
Work Environment
High school teachers work in either public or private schools. They typically work during school hours, but may also work evenings and weekends to prepare lessons and grade papers. Most do not teach during the summer.
