For many in the workforce, teaching jobs are looking like increasingly stable career options. The New York Daily News recently profiled 23-year-old Alberto Cruz, who was in the beginning stages of a financial planning career on Wall Street. When the markets fell however, he sensed an opportunity to make a change while helping others. "People were losing their jobs around me, and everybody was so uneasy. I wanted to not only have stability in my life, but also make a real difference in my community," Cruz told the newspaper. Despite the increased public interest in teaching however, the Daily News added that budget cuts in the current climate have forced an overall reduction in the size of the teacher force, among other positions - ensuring that competition for these jobs will be tougher. Still, education leaders have long warned of a looming nationwide teacher shortage. Cruz made his move with help from NYC Teaching Fellows, which helps career-changers and others pursue careers in education. Most other states also have alternative certification programs for mid-career professionals and others interested in pursuing a teaching career.  |