Is science a critical shortage area for teaching?

[teacher girl]

I am licensed special ed or about to be, when i graduate may. I was thinking about getting a second certification in science or social studies?

which should i choose? which has a better job outlook?

[mopar]

Social studies is not a high needs area near me. Science is only kind of a high needs area. We need high school physics teachers...some years chemistry teachers. Elementary and middle school science or biology is not a high need.

[Peregrin5]

Physics and chem teachers for High School are in the most demand.

Biology and Earth Science is still in demand but less so. Actually I believe it's easier to get a Middle School science position than an HS Bio and Earth Science position.

Around my area at least, it's tough to fill MS science positions because no one likes the age group and teachers generally automatically come into the profession assuming they'll be teaching High School, so they just for the HS science testing and don't think too much about Middle School.

Our methods prof told everyone to take their Generalized Science tests because everyone thinks they're going to teach HS Bio, until they get into the job market. Middle School science is definitely a high needs area.

[lucybelle]

I taught HS biology and I had no issues finding a job. Had two offers straight out of college. But I did have my transcript reviewed and I got added "general science". Which means all HS sciences. At first I was annoyed because I only want to teach biology, but now I see how useful it is! I was hoping I would also have middle grades added, but that didn't work out. Might get that added when I go back to the USA. Also thinking of adding Spanish just for the hell of it

[YoungTeacherGuy]

Originally Posted by teacher girl

I am licensed special ed or about to be, when i graduate may. I was thinking about getting a second certification in science or social studies?

which should i choose? which has a better job outlook?

I would definitely choose Science! In my area, there are a ton of credentialed Social Studies teachers out of work. Last year, one of my professors in the Master's Program was also the Superintendent of the local high school district. He said that they had to search far and wide for credentialed Science teachers!

[bondo]

Science all the way. The districts around me are looking for science teachers. Other subject content, not so much.

[BumbleB]

Pick the one you're most passionate about teaching

[mamadeb]

I have to agree with the others. In Michigan they are testing more and more for science. They will catch up with Soc. Studies, but they are not there yet.

[readingrules12]

There is more of a demand for Science teachers than Social Studies. I do agree that you should also consider weighing what you would enjoy doing and what you might be best at teaching as well.

[yellowdaisies]

Originally Posted by BumbleB

Pick the one you're most passionate about teaching

I really don't think there are any "critical shortage areas" in teaching anymore, to be honest. Yes, there are more jobs in science, but do you want to teach science?