Teachers rule again: School jobs steady as others decline
Wall Street's loss could be city schoolkids' gain. . This year's class at Columbia University's Teachers College is the largest ever.
The economic meltdown is driving some of the best and brightest to consider something they might never have when the stock market was booming and bonuses were fat: teaching.
After years of math and finance courses,Alberto Cruz, 23, felt destined to join the ranks of Wall Street's high rollers,As tough times in the financial sector turned to turmoil, he started rethinking his career choice.
This year, instead of helping rich folks manage their millions, he's giving kids lessons in long division at aBronxmiddle school through theNew York City Teaching Fellowsprogram, which is aimed at career switchers.
Applicants to the program have
risen about 20% since last year, and 60% more identified themselves as having
worked in the financial industry.
Applications have also been rising sharply at Teach For America, which places mostly new college graduates in lower-performing schools. This year's class at Columbia University's Teachers College is the largest ever.
When there is demand for teachers, there is also often need for teachers' aides, school nurses, custodians and cooks.
Strong enrollment at the city's pricey private schools means there's been no slowdown in demand for teachers there, recruiters said.
The economy's troubles also haven't dented demand for a less traditional kind of teacher - test-preparation instructors.
The article "Teachers rule again: School jobs steady as others decline" was published at November 18th on the "nydailyenws.com" website http://www.nydailynews.com/money/2008/11/18/2008-11-18_teachers_rule_again_school_jobs_steady_a.html
Published Monday, Dec. 8, 2008