Tackling the Teacher Shortage: 15 Critical Education Roles in High Demand for 2024-25

• Special education teachers support students with disabilities by creating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Collaborating with families and staff.
• Ensuring compliance with laws like IDEA.
• A bachelor’s degree in special education (and often a master’s) along with state certification is required.

• STEM teachers prepare students for future workforce needs by teaching science, technology, engineering, and math concepts.
• They require a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and teaching certification.
• Some states offer financial incentives for additional endorsements.

• General education teachers teach core subjects like math, reading, and history.
• They develop lesson plans, assess student progress, and create engaging classroom environments.
• A bachelor’s degree in education and state certification are standard for this role.

• ESL teachers support non-native English speakers in achieving language proficiency.
• They focus on grammar, vocabulary, and conversational skills, often in multicultural settings.
• A degree in education or linguistics and a TESOL or ESL certification are commonly required.

• Reading interventionists address literacy gaps through targeted assessments and personalized instruction.
• They often work one-on-one with struggling readers, requiring a background in education with additional training in literacy intervention.

• Math intervention specialists help students struggling with numeracy and problem-solving skills.
• They collaborate with classroom teachers to develop tailored lesson plans and track student progress.
• Requires a background in math education and intervention training.

• School counselors support students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being.
• They provide individualized counseling, career guidance, and crisis intervention.
• A master’s degree in school counseling and state licensure are required.

• Behavioral therapists work with students to develop social-emotional skills and manage challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, or trauma-related behaviors.
• This role often requires a degree in psychology or education and certification in applied behavior analysis (ABA).

• Bilingual teachers guide students in developing their native language skills while mastering English.
• They bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, requiring a degree in education and bilingual certification.

• Early childhood educators work with preschool-aged children to establish a foundation for lifelong learning in areas like literacy, numeracy, and social skills.
• A degree in early childhood education and state certification are required.

• Special education coordinators oversee special education programs.
• Ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Supporting teachers and families.
• A master’s degree in special education is typically required.
• Administrative experience is typically required.

• Substitute teachers fill in when full-time educators are unavailable, providing classroom continuity.
• A bachelor’s degree and a substitute teaching permit are often required.

• EdTech specialists train teachers and students in utilizing digital tools to enhance learning.
• A degree in education or IT and certifications in educational technology are often required.

• Paraprofessionals assist special education teachers by providing individualized support to students.
• A high school diploma and additional training are typically required.

• Administrators oversee school operations
• manage staff
• implement policies that improve student outcomes
• A master’s degree in leadership and relevant certifications are required.

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