People who are pursuing careers in teaching are reportedly facing increased competition for what is in some cases a decreased number of openings. A recent report in the Nashua (NH) Telegraph focuses on some local residents who have been working to launch new careers as teachers. However, a recent school district job fair attracted twice as many job hunters as last year, indicating the level of increased competition. In the current job market, unemployment now exceeds 8.1 percent and teachers haven't been immune due to local budget cuts. "It's a hard time to find a teaching job," she said. "The economy is really bad. Teachers that would normally be retiring aren't retiring," teaching assistant Jen Ilchuk told the newspaper. There has long been talk of a nationwide teacher shortage, but the need is particularly focused on teachers with math and science qualifications. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has also cited a growing demand for special needs teachers. Some teachers also choose to pursue new experiences by taking jobs in rural and inner city school districts, which may also be more likely to have openings for new teachers.  |