If you're an international educator considering teaching in the United States, here's something to keep in mind: not all subjects are created equal when it comes to demand. Some areas of expertise open more doors than others — especially for teachers looking to work under the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.
Understanding which subjects are most sought after by U.S. schools can make the difference between waiting months for an interview and getting job offers within weeks.
So, which teaching subjects are in the spotlight right now? Let’s break it down.
Special Education: Always a Priority
Across the U.S., there’s a consistent and urgent need for special education teachers. These professionals work with students who have learning differences, disabilities, or behavioral challenges.
Why the high demand?
- Rising diagnosis rates
- Shortage of trained professionals in rural and urban districts alike
- Burnout and turnover among domestic educators
If you have training in special education — even if it's from your home country — you’ll likely have multiple opportunities to teach in the U.S. Just make sure your experience is clearly documented and explained in your resume.
Math: A Universal Need
The phrase “math teacher shortage” isn’t new — and it isn’t going away. Whether it’s algebra in middle school or calculus in high school, schools across the U.S. are actively recruiting international math teachers.
Math is often considered a high-need subject because:
- Many American teachers lack confidence in teaching math
- Higher-level math classes are mandatory for graduation
- STEM initiatives are growing in almost every district
If you enjoy breaking down complex ideas and making numbers come alive, this might be your strongest ticket into a U.S. classroom.
Science: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
Similar to math, science teachers — especially those certified in biology, chemistry, and physics — are in consistently short supply. These subjects are core parts of the U.S. curriculum and essential to graduation.
Here’s the catch: many U.S. schools want teachers who can make science hands-on, inquiry-based, and tied to real-world problems. If that’s your style, you’ll fit in perfectly.
Tip: If you’ve ever led a science fair, coached robotics, or integrated experiments into your lessons, highlight those experiences in your interviews.
World Languages: Beyond English
Spanish is far and away the most requested world language in U.S. schools, but it’s not the only one. Mandarin, French, Arabic, German, Japanese, and even Tagalog are gaining traction — especially in districts with diverse communities or language immersion programs.
Even if you're not a native speaker of the language you're teaching, fluency and teaching certification can qualify you for a position.
Bonus: If you’re bilingual and can also teach another high-need subject like math or science, you’ll be considered a top-tier candidate.
Bilingual and ESL Education: Critical for Equity
As the number of multilingual students grows in the U.S., schools need educators who can teach English as a Second Language (ESL) or work in dual language classrooms.
If you've taught English to non-native speakers or have experience helping students transition between languages, your skills are highly valued — especially in states like Texas, California, Florida, and New York.
This area blends content teaching with language support, and it's perfect for educators passionate about inclusion and language equity.
Early Childhood and Elementary Education
While some areas of early education are more competitive, there's still steady demand for elementary school teachers, particularly those who can teach multiple subjects, manage young learners, and integrate diverse cultural perspectives.
Schools especially value international teachers who:
- Use child-centered learning methods
- Have experience with inclusive or play-based learning
- Bring cultural stories, songs, and traditions into the classroom
Where You Fit In
So where do you land in all this?
If you're a math teacher who loves working with multilingual learners, or a special educator with a passion for inclusive classrooms — the U.S. is not only looking for you… it’s waiting for you.
Don’t try to “fit in” where you think demand might be. Instead, lean into your strengths, and find the subject that aligns with both your expertise and your excitement.