What Teachers Are in Highest Demand in 2026?

Across the United States, teachers are in high demand. A mix of retirements, burnout from the pandemic, and rising student needs has left many school districts struggling to hire enough educators. While every role in the education system matters, some subject areas are especially short-staffed.

Special education teachers, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) educators, and English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors are consistently listed by the U.S. Department of Education as shortage fields. These highest-demand teaching jobs often require new teachers to step in quickly, creating opportunities for those willing to complete teacher preparation or alternative licensure programs. Below, we'll look at why shortages exist and which teaching positions are most urgently needed.

Are Teachers In-Demand Right Now?

Teacher shortages are not just a future concern; they are happening in the current school year. Thousands of teaching positions remain vacant in public schools across the country, with some states relying on uncertified or temporary educators to keep classrooms running.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects steady growth in education programs, but demand already outpaces supply in high-need subject areas like special education, English as a Second Language, social studies, and career and technical education. In states like California, New York, and Nevada, shortages are so severe that new teachers often receive hiring incentives. This means if you're pursuing a teaching degree or working toward a teaching credential, there are clear career paths in front of you.

Why Teacher Shortages Exist

Several long-term challenges drive the current teacher shortage. Many educators are retiring, while others leave the profession early due to burnout and high turnover rates. Compared to the workload, salaries in public schools are often lower than in other career paths that require bachelor's degrees or master's degrees, which makes it harder to keep new teachers in classrooms.

At the same time, student enrollment in areas like special education, early childhood, and ESL has continued to rise. The U.S. Department of Education reports that fewer college students are entering teacher preparation programs, leaving fewer student teachers ready to fill vacancies. Together, these factors put stress on the education system and make it difficult for schools to meet the needs of students with disabilities and growing class sizes.

Top 5 In-Demand Teaching Positions

While schools need educators in every grade and subject, certain types of teachers are especially hard to find. These high-need areas reflect both the challenges of the profession and the shifting needs of today's students. Below are the teaching jobs in highest demand right now.

Special Education Teachers

Special education teachers are consistently at the top of shortage lists across nearly every state. These teachers work with students who have a wide range of disabilities, designing individualized education programs and collaborating with other professionals to provide support.

The BLS reports a median salary of about $64,000 nationwide, with steady demand projected in the next decade. However, the role comes with challenges such as large caseloads, high turnover rates, and the need for specialized training.

Because of this, school districts often offer incentives like loan forgiveness, signing bonuses, or stipends to attract and retain special education teachers. For students considering education programs, this path offers both high demand and meaningful impact.

STEM Teachers

STEM teachers are in short supply, especially in math, chemistry, physics, and computer science. These subject areas are essential for preparing students for careers in technology and higher education, yet many schools lack enough qualified instructors.

Salaries according to the BLS for STEM teachers are over $64,000, and there is a growing need for such educators. To fill gaps, some states offer alternative certification programs to bring professionals from technical fields into classrooms. For new teachers or career changers, STEM teaching provides both job security and opportunities for specialization.

Bilingual and English as a Second Language Teachers

With more than five million English language learners enrolled in U.S. schools, the demand for ESL and bilingual teachers has risen sharply. Both urban and rural districts struggle to staff these classrooms, making them one of the highest-demand teaching jobs today.

Salaries for bilingual and ESL teachers are typically around $59,000 per year. Many teacher preparation programs now include English as a Second Language endorsements, and some states even provide tuition assistance to help new teachers earn certification. Bilingual skills also create career paths beyond the classroom, boosting opportunities in higher education and community services.

Career and Technical Education Teachers

Career and technical education (CTE) teachers prepare students for in-demand jobs in fields like information technology, automotive repair, culinary arts, and health sciences. These teaching positions are crucial in bridging the gap between high school education and workforce needs.

Salaries for CTE teachers are about $62,000 annually, with steady demand projected. Many CTE teachers transition from industry jobs into education through alternative licensure programs. For those with experience in technical education, this path allows you to bring hands-on skills into public school classrooms while helping students prepare for real-world careers.

World Language Teachers

World language teachers, especially in Spanish, French, and Mandarin, are in high demand across the country. Smaller districts and rural areas often face the toughest challenges in hiring, even though many high schools require world languages for graduation.

The median salary for world language teachers is about $78,000, with continued growth projected. These roles often come with opportunities to specialize in elementary education or high school teaching, depending on your preparation program. With world languages remaining central to graduation requirements, school districts actively seek qualified instructors in this subject area.

Teacher Shortage Projections

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education, demand for teachers will remain strong over the next decade. Special education, STEM, ESL, and CTE are consistently identified as shortage areas. Projections show steady job growth, yet fewer student teachers are completing preparation programs, which limits the number of new teachers entering classrooms.

As retirements continue and more educators leave due to burnout, the gap between open teaching positions and available candidates is expected to widen. This means that students pursuing bachelor's degrees or master's degrees in these subject areas are likely to find clear career paths in high-need schools and districts.

States With the Most Severe Teacher Shortages

Some states face much deeper shortages than others, leaving thousands of classrooms without fully licensed teachers. These states often rely on substitutes or educators without a complete teaching credential to keep schools running.

• Arizona reports the highest vacancy levels nationwide, with many positions filled by uncertified educators.
• Florida faces persistent shortages across subject areas, with thousands of vacancies tied to lower-than-average pay.
• Nevada ranks among the states with the highest vacancy rates, often filling teaching jobs with underqualified candidates.
• California struggles with a large number of unfilled teaching positions, many staffed by educators still completing teacher preparation programs.
• Utah experiences fewer vacancies overall but a high reliance on teachers without full licensure.

States With Lower-Impact Shortages

Not every state faces severe shortages. Some have managed the challenge more effectively by supporting teacher preparation programs and improving retention efforts. States like Vermont, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Missouri, and New York report lower vacancy rates compared to states like California or Arizona.

However, even in these areas, specialized subject shortages remain. World languages, special education, and STEM positions continue to be difficult to fill, especially in smaller public school districts. This shows that while the crisis may look different across the country, no part of the education system is completely free from high-need subject areas.

Salaries for In-Demand Teachers

Salaries for in-demand teachers vary depending on the state, district, and level of education, but averages remain fairly consistent nationwide. Special education teachers earn around $64,000, while STEM teachers average between $60,000 and $65,000. Bilingual and ESL teachers typically earn $58,000 to $63,000. Career and technical education teachers average $58,000 to $62,000, and world language teachers earn about $78,000.

Some school districts boost pay with added benefits for hard-to-fill positions. These may include signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, stipends for specializations, or loan forgiveness programs. While base pay may not always reflect the higher demand, financial incentives make these teaching positions more competitive and help schools attract qualified candidates.

Incentives for High-Demand Teaching Fields

To address shortages, many school districts and states offer incentives for new teachers willing to work in high-need subject areas. Federal programs like TEACH Grants and Public Service Loan Forgiveness reduce long-term costs for those entering education programs. States often add their own incentives, including signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, or stipends for specializations such as special education or STEM.

Some school districts also provide fast-track or alternative teacher preparation pathways, helping career changers enter classrooms more quickly. These incentives not only improve retention but also encourage professionals from technical education, healthcare, and other industries to bring their expertise into public schools.

Pathways To Enter High-Demand Teaching Fields

If you're interested in joining the high-demand teaching jobs, there are multiple pathways to consider. The traditional route involves completing a bachelor's degree in education, followed by student teaching, licensure exams, and earning a full teaching credential. Many elementary education and secondary programs also allow you to specialize in high-need subject areas like ESL, special education, or world languages.

For career changers, alternative certification programs provide a faster entry point. These preparation programs allow people with backgrounds in STEM, technical fields, or healthcare to transition into teaching jobs with structured training and mentorship. Online master's degree programs also make it possible for licensed teachers to add endorsements in high-need areas such as ESL or special education.

FAQs About High-Demand Teaching Jobs

If you're exploring teaching careers, you probably have questions about which roles are most in demand, how much they pay, and what training is required. Here are answers to some of the most common questions.

Why Are Special Education Teachers Always in Demand?

Special education teachers face high turnover rates because of large caseloads, paperwork, and the emotional demands of the role. At the same time, the number of students with disabilities continues to rise. This combination creates a constant need, making special education one of the most in-demand teaching jobs across the country.

What States Have the Worst Teacher Shortages?

States like Arizona, Florida, Nevada, California, and Utah experience the most severe shortages. These states report thousands of unfilled teaching positions each school year, with many classrooms staffed by teachers without full licensure. Shortages are nationwide, but they're more urgent in these areas, especially in specializations such as STEM and ESL.

Do In-Demand Teaching Jobs Pay More?

Base salaries for teachers are usually set by school districts and don't vary much between subject areas. However, high-need fields often come with incentives like signing bonuses, stipends, loan forgiveness, or tuition reimbursement. These benefits help make shortage-area positions more financially appealing compared to other teaching jobs.

How Do I Become a Teacher in a High-Need Field?

You can enter high-need fields through traditional teacher preparation programs that lead to licensure or through alternative certification if you're a career changer. Many states also offer fast-track options for subject areas like STEM, CTE, or ESL. Adding endorsements through online master's degrees is another common pathway.

Are High-Demand Teaching Jobs Harder?

These roles can be more challenging. Special education teachers manage heavy caseloads, STEM teachers cover rigorous content, and ESL teachers serve growing populations of English learners. While demanding, these jobs often offer stronger job security, extra pay incentives, and the chance to make a lasting impact on students' lives.

Are High School Teachers in Demand?

Yes, high school teachers are in demand, especially in math, science, and technical education. Shortages are most noticeable in public schools that require teachers with specific endorsements. Students pursuing bachelor's degrees in secondary education may find faster placement in high school subject areas compared to elementary teaching.

Are English Teachers in Demand?

English teachers are in steady demand, particularly at the high school level, where reading, writing, and social studies often overlap. While shortages aren't as severe as in STEM or special education, many districts still seek qualified English teachers, especially in rural or underfunded school systems.

Are Art Teachers in Demand?

Art teachers are less affected by nationwide shortages, but certain schools still struggle to fill these positions. Because art is an important part of elementary education and high school electives, districts with fewer resources may face difficulty offering full art programs, keeping demand steady, though not as high as core subjects.

Are Music Teachers in Demand?

Music teachers are in moderate demand, especially in elementary schools where music is part of general education. High school music programs can be harder to staff, particularly in rural districts. Although not considered a high-demand field, music remains important for student engagement and overall education.

Are Substitute Teachers in Demand?

Yes, substitute teachers are in demand nationwide. Shortages mean that many districts rely heavily on substitutes to cover unfilled teaching positions and teacher absences. Requirements vary, but most states allow substitutes with a bachelor's degree or even a high school diploma, depending on the district.

Earn Your Teaching Degree

High-need teaching fields create both challenges and opportunities. If you're ready to make an impact, consider programs in special education, STEM, ESL, or CTE. Explore accredited teaching degree programs on Learn.org to find the right pathway for your goals.