If you’re interested in teaching but unsure what you should teach, or if you’re trying to figure out the best subject to teach given your interests and background, you’re not alone. With nearly 44 percent of public schools reporting at least one teaching vacancy, the real question isn’t if you’re needed, but where you can make the biggest impact. That’s where TEACH comes in!

So, what is the best subject for you to teach in today’s world? The short answer is that all subjects are important for students to get the best possible education—so teach what you love! The longer answer is that you can choose a teaching subject that matches with your strengths and interests and that comes with more job openings and opportunities. 

Here are a few areas that stand out for both demand and long-term opportunity.

If you enjoy problem-solving or innovation and are wondering what to teach, STEM fields are a strong choice. Schools across more than 37 states report shortages in these subjects.

Teaching STEM isn’t just about equations. It’s about helping students think critically and prepare for real-world careers in tech, medicine, engineering and more. If you’re searching for the best subject to teach in terms of career growth and incentives, STEM often comes with bonuses, loan forgiveness and strong long-term demand.

To teach STEM, you’ll need plenty of coursework in a related major such as math or biology, though a minor could work too in some cases. 

If you love helping others take on challenges and succeed, special education should be at the top of your list. Demand has steadily grown for decades, while the supply of qualified teachers hasn’t kept up.

Special education teachers work closely with students who have a range of learning differences, creating individualized plans and adapting lessons to meet each student’s needs. If you’re patient, flexible and people-driven, this path offers a clear sense of purpose every day.

To teach special education, you can start with any major, though you’ll need specialized coursework in education and working with students who have learning differences. If you already have a degree, you can add these courses later as you pursue your teaching certificate. 

You can often apply directly to a school as a teaching assistant and get on the job training while you earn your teaching credential.  

Do you want your work to make a meaningful cultural impact? Consider ESL (English as a Second Language) or multilingual education. By 2030, up to 40 percent of K–12 students are expected to be English Language Learners. Specialty trained teachers ensure students get the support they need to be successful. 

This field focuses on helping students succeed academically while learning English, often simultaneously. It’s a powerful option if you’re drawn to communication, inclusion and global perspectives. It’s some of the most impactful work happening in classrooms today.

If you speak more than one language yourself, you could be an ideal candidate. At a minimum, you’ll need to take coursework that prepares you to work with English language learners. Your teaching program will make sure you get the training you need. 

If you have experience in trades, health care or business fields and want a teaching job that feels practical and connected to real-world skills, CTE might be the right fit. From healthcare to cybersecurity to skilled trades, schools need instructors who can connect classroom learning to actual careers.

For many people, this feels like one of the most direct ways to figure out what the best subject to teach might be, especially if you already have experience in a technical field and want to bring that knowledge into the classroom.

CTE is one of the few teaching fields that might not require a bachelor’s degree. The most important preparation to teach CTE is job experience!

There’s no universal answer. The easiest subject to teach is usually one you understand deeply and enjoy explaining. Passion and clarity matter more than the subject itself. What feels easy to you might be challenging for someone else, and that’s exactly why great teachers are so valuable.

Since teaching needs can vary from state to state, and even region to region, it’s best to use the resources available to identify the shortages near you. You can look and find where your interests and experience intersect with the teaching shortages in and around where you live.

• Your strengths and expertise
• Job security and demand
• Career incentives
• Student impact
• Personal fulfillment
• Ease of entry/certification
• Geographic flexibility
• Cultural and community fit

At the end of the day, the best subject to teach is the one that aligns with both your strengths and where students need you most. Whether you’re still asking yourself about which subject to teach or you’re ready to take the next step, there’s never been a better time to enter the classroom.

The need is real. The opportunities are wide open. Now it’s just a matter of choosing where you’ll make your mark!