Is the demand for high school English teachers increasing?

I've heard mixed things about the demand for high school English teachers. Is it a field that's growing, or is it more competitive to find a position?

The demand for high school English teachers, as with many professions, can vary greatly by location, school district, and even yearly fluctuations in student enrollments. Traditionally, there tends to be more competition for English teaching roles, in comparison to fields like mathematics, science, and special education where there's often a greater demand and shortage of qualified teachers.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of high school teachers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Of course, this is a broad statistic that covers all subject areas, not just English.

Teacher attrition also plays a significant role. If many teachers retire or leave the profession for other reasons, spots will open up in the field. However, in areas where budgets are tight, this may not necessarily translate to job growth.

Another factor is policy and legislation that can affect class sizes, as smaller class sizes would require more teachers. English/Language Arts is a core academic subject, so in general, there will always be a need for English teachers.

Furthermore, the shift towards teaching English as a second language in many areas has made it an in-demand skill for many English teachers. The more skills and qualifications you have, such as being able to teach ESL or holding a master's degree, the more employable you typically are.

So, to recap, while there may be more competition in the field of English teaching compared to other disciplines, opportunities still exist - particularly for those who are willing to move/teach in more rural areas or who have valuable additional skills or qualifications. It's definitely a worthwhile field if you're passionate about English and helping young people learn!