Educators play incredibly vital roles in schools, shaping the minds and futures of the next generation. But they do more than just teach—they inspire curiosity and a love for learning in students each and every day, laying the foundation for children to grow into confident, successful learners.
In this report on the State of Education Careers from ProCare Therapy, we break down everything you need to know about these different important roles in education, including the current demand, job outlook, and more.
About General Education Teachers
A general education teacher refers to a teacher who instructs students in a traditional classroom setting, covering a broad range of subjects typically required by the standard curriculum—from math to physical education. General education teachers work with students of all abilities in the regular classroom environment, as opposed to specialized settings like special education teachers might.
General education teachers may teach multiple subjects or focus on a specific curriculum, like math, science, or social studies. Regardless, all general education teachers are responsible for planning lessons, assessing student progress, and adapting their teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles.
Jobs in General Education
There are various roles in general education, and while the responsibilities may vary, each of these educators plays a crucial part in ensuring that students receive a well-rounded, positive educational experience. Some of the key jobs you can find in general education include:
- Teacher: An educator responsible for teaching students in a specific grade or subject area in the classroom setting.
- Paraprofessional: Also known as teacher aides or assistants, paraprofessionals support classroom teachers by helping with administrative tasks, teaching, grading, and providing one-on-one assistance to students who need extra help.
- Reading Specialist: A reading specialist is a general education teacher who focuses on reading, and they are responsible for improving students’ reading skills.
- Life Skills Teacher: A general education teacher who is responsible for teaching students life skills topics like managing money and applying for jobs.
- Art, Music, and Physical Education Teachers: These specialists provide instruction in their respective areas, contributing to students’ development of creativity and physical health.
- Language Teacher: A language teacher specializes in teaching one or more foreign languages to students, such as Spanish or French. They focus on helping students acquire proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing a new language.
Job Outlook in General Education
The job outlook for teachers remains positive. In fact, many areas are expected to experience an increasing demand for educators for years to come. This means a career in education can offer you stability with opportunities for employment wherever life takes you.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a high number of job openings for teachers at every school level:
- 64,000 openings for high school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
- 106,500 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
- 41,400 openings for middle school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
According to the Projections Managing Partnership (PMP), the top five states that will see the highest employment growth in elementary, middle, and high school teachers from 2022 to 2032 are Utah, New York, Colorado, Tennessee, and Idaho.
Why Educators are In-Demand
There is an incredibly high demand for all types of educators today nationwide, with some areas experiencing teacher shortages due to factors like retirements, low retention rates, and the challenging nature of the profession. As schools continue to strive to improve educational outcomes and address diverse learning needs, the demand for qualified teachers is only expected to increase.
While the specific demand and job outlook can vary by region and subject area, in general, there is a positive outlook nationwide for educators in subjects like special education and STEM and in rural or underserved communities, which often face more severe shortages.
Explore Careers in General Education
If you’re seeking a rewarding career in education that provides a strong sense of purpose and the chance to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives, then we encourage you to find your calling in ProCare’s range of general education jobs. From PE teachers to virtual opportunities, you can help children thrive. Browse ProCare’s current openings in general education here today!