February 22, 2025
What Are the Most In-Demand Teaching Subjects?
The demand for teachers in the United States varies widely depending on the subject, but three teaching specialties stand out: STEM, TESOL, and special education. These fields address critical shortages in the educational system and provide rewarding opportunities for educators looking to make a significant impact.
STEM Education: Bridging the Innovation Gap
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is one of the most in-demand teaching subjects. According to the U.S. Department of Education, over half of all states (37) report a shortage of qualified STEM teachers, with high-need, low-income schools affected the most.
Why STEM Education Matters
STEM education is essential for preparing students to succeed in a technology-driven world. It fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, skills necessary for careers in fields like engineering, technology, and healthcare. Although STEM careers comprise 24% of the total U.S. workforce, according to the State of U.S. Science and Engineering 2024, the pipeline of qualified graduates remains insufficient to meet workforce demands.
At the same time, U.S. students are less prepared than ever for these fields. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reports that mathematics and science proficiency continue to drop among fourth and eighth graders. This trend makes STEM one of the high-need areas for teachers.
Opportunities for STEM Educators
For educators passionate about innovation, STEM teaching is a rewarding career path. Schools and districts often provide financial incentives to attract STEM educators, such as signing bonuses, higher salaries, and loan forgiveness. These benefits, combined with the chance to inspire the next generation of innovators, make STEM one of the best subjects to teach.
TESOL: Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners (ELLs)/Multilingual Learners (MLs)
TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is a high-need area for teachers as the population of English Language Learners (ELLs) and Multilingual Learners (MLs) in U.S. schools grows. Projections indicate that by 2030, 40% of students in K-12 classrooms will be ELLs/MLs. In areas like Long Island, NY, the number of ELLs/MLs has surged, particularly in immigrant communities, creating an urgent demand for teachers skilled in language acquisition strategies. This dramatic increase underscores the importance of TESOL educators in fostering equity and inclusivity in education.
Why TESOL Is Essential
ELLs/MLs face unique challenges in navigating academic content while simultaneously developing English proficiency. TESOL educators bridge this gap by:
- Promoting cultural inclusivity: Creating environments where diverse backgrounds are celebrated and used as a foundation for learning.
- Individualized support: Using targeted strategies to help ELLs/MLs master language and academic content simultaneously.
Opportunities for TESOL Educators
TESOL is one of the most in-demand teaching subjects, with career opportunities nationwide. States with large immigrant populations, such as California, Texas, and New York, are among the best states for teachers specializing in TESOL. Additionally, TESOL educators often have access to professional development resources and incentives to support their work in meeting the needs of ELLs/MLs.
For aspiring educators wondering, “What subject should I teach?”, TESOL offers a rewarding path to make a profound impact on the lives of students while addressing a growing national need.
Special Education: Supporting Students with Disabilities
Special education remains one of the most in-demand teaching subjects due to the growing need for qualified educators and the unique challenges of the field. Over the past 45 years, the number of students in special education programs has doubled. At the same time, retention of special education teachers has become a persistent issue, with many leaving due to burnout or insufficient resources.
Why Special Education Is Important
Special education provides individualized instruction for students with diverse needs, ensuring access to equitable educational opportunities. Special education teachers:
- Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to each student’s unique learning requirements.
- Collaborate with families and other professionals to create supportive environments for students with disabilities.
- Leverage innovative tools and strategies, such as assistive technologies, to enhance learning outcomes.
Opportunities for Special Education Teachers
Special education is an impactful career path for educators passionate about inclusivity and adaptability. Many states provide special education teachers with financial incentives, professional development programs, and robust resources.
The Role of Technology in Special Education
The National Center for Special Education Research identifies technology as a key factor in improving outcomes for students with disabilities. AI-powered tools and adaptive learning platforms are helping teachers better meet the needs of their students, reducing administrative burdens, and increasing classroom efficiency.
If you are wondering what subject has the highest demand for teachers, know that special education is a critical field in which educators can make a significant difference in students' lives.
Choosing Your Teaching Specialty
If you’re asking, “What subject should I teach?”, consider these factors:
- Personal interests: Are you passionate about science, math, culture, or supporting learners with diverse needs?
- Job security: Specializing in high-need areas like STEM (math and science), TESOL, or special education ensures stable, long-term career opportunities.
- Location: Research the best states for teachers in your chosen specialty to find areas offering competitive pay and strong support systems.
Don’t feel you must limit yourself to the most in-demand teaching subjects. There are shortages across all teaching specialties. In New York, there is a projected demand of about 18,000 new teachers annually due to retirements and declining enrollment in teacher education programs. Nationwide, nearly 44% of public schools have one teaching vacancy or more.
Because there is such high demand for teachers, it is much more important to choose a field you’re passionate about so you can inspire your students.
How Molloy Prepares All Types of Teachers
At Molloy University, we offer pathways to teaching for traditional undergraduate students and graduate programs for working adults who hope to change careers.
We prepare you for in-demand teaching jobs in New York and beyond through:
At Molloy University, we offer pathways to teaching for traditional undergraduate students and graduate programs for working adults who hope to change careers.
We prepare you for in-demand teaching jobs in New York and beyond through:
- Face-to-face, hybrid, and online courses so you can balance your education with your other responsibilities.
- Small class sizes that allow you to network with your peers and work closely with experienced faculty mentors.
- Personalized advising that continues after you graduate.
- Strong career placement.
Take the Next Step
Our graduates are sought after by New York State school districts because our students have a reputation as being leaders in the field. Start your journey toward an in-demand teaching job today.