Careers in education have taken a hit with the recession. Although there is a national need for teachers, many state budgets have forced school districts to cut their staff and impose pay cuts. Still, many individuals are persistent and are continuing to pursue education degrees in college with the hopes of becoming a teacher.

In an effort to improve the school systems by offering quality education and abolishing hiring freezes, President Barack Obama is seeking $1.35 billion in extra government spending to go towards education, according to FOX News.

Obama plans to release the budget request for 2011 during his address to Congress on February 1. Obama also called upon educators to ensure they were providing the right material needed for learning.

The extra spending will go towards furthering Obama's Race to the Top initiative for which many states are competing for federal funding based on their education reforms.

Despite a lack of funding that cripples the education field, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the teaching profession will increase by 13% over the next 8 years.