College students are paying attention to education spending and massive job eliminations. They are worried about finding a teaching job after graduation. Many are working hard now to set themselves apart and find employment.
At the Huston-Tillotson University campus in East Austin, professionalism was the lesson of the day.
Dr. Eric Budd lectured to a classroom of future teachers. He tells students to work hard now to gain an edge in a tough job market.
“When we talk about the crisis we are going through at this time, if this is their passion, then this is what they should continue to pursue,” Dr. Budd said.
Dr. Budd says specializing in hard-to-fill positions such as math, science, and special education will pay off.
James Andrew Ward has not yet found a full-time teaching job. However, he does plan to work as a substitute teacher and further his education.
“Even if I can't get a job now, I can use that time to go get my masters,” Ward said.
Some students are so worried about finding a teaching job in the Austin area they are willing to move to another city, another state, and even overseas.
Junior Lance Fell says Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan need teachers. He is willing to move overseas for a job in education. He credits his own teachers for changing his life.
“When I was in high school I struggled a lot, but I always had a couple of teachers that went the extra mile to help me out and put me back on the right track. It was something I hope to do for other kids,” Fell said.
Catrice Smedley also dreams of giving back to the community by teaching Kindergarten.
“I feel it’s best to give back to your community when they are young, and help mold their minds into something greater,” Smedley said.
The Texas Education Agency says there are five critical shortage areas expected next school year. They include bilingual education, math, science, Spanish, and special education. In years past, first-year teachers made up about six percent of all employed Texas educators.
