If you're interested in pursuing a teaching career, one good strategy for landing a job is to specialize in either math or science. Tennessee math teacher Melanie Jo Bean recently spoke with her local newspaper, the DeSoto Appeal, about her work and how much she enjoys it. "I liked the math, the calculus and the trig and I'm good at it. I also really like kids. I believe that teaching is an art, like painting and music; you either have it or not," Bean told the newspaper. Bean reportedly began her career teaching math at the junior high level, and has since moved on to algebra. In the future, she is looking forward to more complex subject matter like trigonometry and calculus. Teachers in general will be in demand in the coming years because of a nationwide shortage brought on by a large number of approaching retirements. Shortages are particularly felt in the areas of math and science. The Bureau of Labor Statistics website observes that some states have programs to recruit mid-career professionals into teaching with an eye on addressing that shortage. Approximately 1.1 million Americans worked as secondary school teachers in 2006, according to the BLS. That number is expected to rise modestly by 2016, with job vacancies varying based on geography and local demographics.  |