I’m obviously passionate about views on higher Ed and teaching. Teaching is hard because there is a shortage but only in places people don’t want to go or that pay like total garbage. My and my graduating class’s experience was that you only got an opportunity locally if you were connected to a board member or if you were a regarded sports player at your high school alma mater.I was taking a look at our graduates for Saturday. We have one Visual Arts major (a painter) who graduating with honors. She's active on campus and is going to graduate school to become an art teacher.
By far our biggest major are the various business concentrations. From data I got last year, this major has the lowest GPA - usually around a 2.4 or so. Most of these are athletes who think they will end up playing professionally (they don't) and will more than likely end up coaching. We have a lot of Phys Education majors who are athletes - K-12 gym teachers in training. Lots of meatheads in this group.
Our teacher education program had waiting lists for years and had to cap the cohort size because of faculty limitations. Even with a teaching shortage K-12, this program has hit hard times over the last few years. We have 3 (!) graduates, down from 30-40 just a few years ago. One of the graduate programs was phased out for lack of interest due to alternative credentialing through the local school districts.
I was so frustrated talking to one of my mentors that is a principal that he presented this fact,
I subbed in multiple districts, was well liked, had relationships with the administration, always showed up on time, always was flexible, basically what you want in an employee.
He sat back in his chair, sighed, and said “you’re too good of a sub.” His point was its super hard to find reliable temp help like that and I was more valuable in that capacity. It’s a warped system all around.