Is high school teaching a secure career?

I'm thinking about becoming a high school teacher and I'm wondering about job security in this profession. Are there generally many layoffs or is it considered a stable job? Does location play a big role in job security?

In general, high school teaching can be seen as a stable career. Education is a field that's always in demand because children need to be educated regardless of the economic situation. With that being said, there are a few factors to keep in mind.

Firstly, location indeed plays a significant role in job security for teachers. Some regions have a higher demand for teachers than others, particularly in urban and rural settings. Also, certain states and districts may face budget cuts which could, unfortunately, result in layoffs. However, generally teachers with more experience are less likely to be let go during these situations due to how many school districts follow "last in, first out" policies.

Secondly, your specific subject matter expertise could also affect your job security. For example, there tends to be a higher demand for STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) teachers than other subjects.

Finally, tenured teachers generally have a high degree of job security. The tenure system was created to protect teachers from unjust dismissals, allowing them to teach without fear of losing their jobs due to factors such as personal beliefs or an administrative change.

It's always a good idea to research the school districts you're interested in working for to understand their specific circumstances. Look at factors like teacher turnover rate, student-to-teacher ratio, and budget outlook to get a sense of job security.

Thus, while there can be certain challenges and variables, many educators find teaching to be a rewarding and secure career.