Education careers in high demand: why teaching remains a strong career choice

Key takeaways

  • South Africa faces a growing teacher shortage, particularly in Foundation Phase and STEM subjects.
  • There is strong demand for multilingual teachers, especially those proficient in African languages.
  • Teaching remains a secure and future-oriented career, offering both local and international prospects.
  • Emeris provides specialised education qualifications designed to meet these needs and empower the next generation of teachers.

 

Teaching has never been without its challenges, but it continues to be one of the most rewarding careers. Across the world, teachers talk of the fulfilment they experience when helping learners build knowledge and confidence. In South Africa, the profession is not only meaningful but also increasingly essential, with a growing need for qualified educators in every phase of schooling.

If you are considering studying to become a teacher, you may be wondering whether teaching is still a stable career path, which subjects are in demand, and where opportunities for new teachers lie. The short answer: teaching is both a secure and future-focused profession, with strong demand for skilled graduates.

 

Is teaching still a good career path?

The shortfall of teachers in South Africa makes this an opportune time to enter the profession. According to the Department of Basic Education, almost half of the country’s current teachers are expected to retire within the next decade. With about 15 000 new graduates completing teaching qualifications each year, compared with the estimated 25 000 required, the country faces a widening gap that needs to be filled.

Unlike some industries where automation and technology are reducing human roles, education remains a field where personal connection is irreplaceable. Digital tools and online learning platforms may enhance teaching, but they cannot replace the role of teachers in guiding, motivating and shaping the learning experience. This means teaching is not only in demand but also a future-proof career choice.

 

Which phases of education need more teachers?

The need for educators spans across levels, from early childhood to senior phases, including special needs education. However, some areas face particularly acute shortages.


The Department of Higher Education and Training has highlighted an urgent need for literacy specialists in the early grades. There is also a significant shortfall in Foundation Phase teachers who are proficient in the country's African languages. Recent news reports suggest that universities would need to produce more than 4000 African mother-tongue Foundation Phase teachers annually just to replace those leaving the profession. At present, most new teachers qualify in Intermediate and Senior Phase and Further Education phases, leaving the lower levels underserved.

This imbalance opens valuable opportunities for students entering teaching degrees, particularly those passionate about early childhood development or multilingual education.

 

Subject areas with the highest demand

While teaching opportunities exist across subjects, there is a pronounced shortage in specific fields. The Department of Education and the Centre for Development and Enterprise have identified these as critical areas:

 

  • Languages: a shortfall across all phases, especially African languages.
  • Mathematics: particularly in Intermediate and Senior phases
  • Mathematical literacy: in the Further Education and Training (FET) phase.
  • Science subjects: a global challenge, making South African teaching graduates highly employable locally and abroad.
  • English as a foreign language: ongoing demand internationally

 

Beyond current needs, future curriculum changes will create fresh opportunities. The Department of Education’s Three Stream Model (TSM) is introducing 38 new subjects to prepare learners for the future workplace.

 

Choosing the right teaching qualification

Pursuing a career in education requires the right foundation. At Emeris, our Faculty of Education is committed to equipping future teachers with the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive in modern classrooms. Our programmes are designed to meet the real demands of today’s learners and tomorrow’s workforce.

 

We offer specialised qualifications including:

 

  • IIE Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Foundation Phase Teaching – preparing teachers to teach from Grade R to Grade 3.
  • IIE Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Intermediate Phase Teaching – preparing teachers to teach from Grades 4 to 7.
  • IIE Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching – enabling graduates to transition into teaching at higher levels for Grade 7 to Grade12.
  • IIE Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education – aimed at subject matter experts who require deeper insight into education theory or its application in the higher education teaching context.

 

At Emeris, we recognise that no two students are alike. Our education model is built around flexibility, personal growth and practical readiness. We help future teachers develop not just subject knowledge but also the creativity, empathy and resilience that today’s classrooms demand.

 

Why choose Emeris?

As one of South Africa’s leading providers of private higher education, Emeris stands apart for its innovative approach to learning. We believe education should be shaped around each student’s strengths and ambitions. With dedicated support, modern teaching strategies, and a strong focus on real-world application, we prepare our graduates to enter the teaching profession with confidence.


By choosing Emeris, you are not just gaining a qualification. You are joining a community that values education as the cornerstone of opportunity and progress.