In-Demand Teaching Specializations in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., has a lot of positives for aspiring teachers:  

• The average teacher salary is $86,663 in D.C., according to the National Education Association. That’s No. 5 in the nation and $14,000 a year more than the average across U.S. states. 
• The retention rate in D.C. Public Schools is 95% for teachers rated effective or highly effective. 
• And there are job openings! The U.S. Bureau of Labor projects a 6% increase in jobs for elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers in D.C. by 2032, compared to 2022. 

If you’re a career changer moving into teaching or even a current educator looking to make a subject or position switch, this post will walk you through the most in-demand teaching jobs in D.C., backed by current data, and offer practical steps to help you prepare for a successful, lasting career in the nation’s capital. 

Aligning Your Teaching Career with District Needs 

D.C. employs more than 8,700 teachers at public and charter schools, according to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education. Together, those teachers educate just under 100,000 students. 

But there are still persistent shortages, and year after year, schools struggle to fill open teaching slots. In the 2023-24 school year, the District of Columbia had 363 unfilled teaching positions and 781 teachers who were not fully certified for their assignments, according to the Learning Policy Institute. That is likely an undercount, according to the institute, meaning the true need is even greater.  

Key Data and Trends in Washington, D.C., Teacher Demand 

• The number of teachers is growing in Washington, D.C., from 8,151 public and charter school teachers in the 2021-22 school year to 8,767 in 2023-24, according to the OSSE Educator Workforce Report. 
• The number of students is also growing: 93,934 students in 2021-22 to 98,800 students in 2023-24. 
• DC’s student-to-teacher ratio is 11:1, according to OSSE, significantly better than the nationwide average of 15:1. 
• The teacher vacancy rate across D.C. was 4% in the 2023-24 school year.  
• The wards with the highest vacancy rates were wards 2, 3, 4, and 6, which all had vacancy rates of 8%.  
• Teacher diversity is a strength in D.C. schools, where 57% of teachers are Black/African American (compared to 62% of students), and 11% of teachers are Hispanic/Latino (compared to 21% of students). Nationwide, a strong majority of public school teachers, 79%, are white. 

Top Specializations in Demand in Washington, D.C. 

Nationwide, the largest teacher shortages are in special education, science, math, and language arts, according to the Learning Policy Institute. Here are the specializations most in demand in D.C.: 

Special Education 

D.C. had an 8% vacancy rate in special education positions in the 2023-24 school year, the highest of any subject. This is a challenging specialization that requires dedicated professionals who can support students with diverse learning needs all the way from early intervention at the younger grades to high school transition services. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor projects 160 open jobs every year in D.C. for special education teachers.

Elementary Education 

Elementary education is another high-need area, with a 5% vacancy rate in 2023-24. This is down from an 8% vacancy rate in the 2021-22 school year, and a 4% vacancy rate the year after that. Elementary teachers guide students through some of their most formative years, giving them foundational skills in reading, math, and social interaction. This role is perfect for educators who are passionate about building a strong educational base for young learners. 

BLS predicts 250 openings every year for elementary school teachers in D.C., and that excludes special education positions.  

English as a Second Language (ESL) 

D.C.’s diverse and international population creates a strong demand for ESL teachers.  This specialization often involves working closely with families and community organizations, making a visible impact on students’ integration and success. The ESL vacancy rate was 4% in D.C. in the 2023-24 school year.  

Career and Technical Education (CTE) 

As D.C. expands its focus on preparing students for college and careers, CTE programs are growing. These programs cover fields like culinary arts, digital media, and healthcare and present an opportunity for career changers to transition into teaching and share their real-world experience withs students. CTE is a smaller bucket overall for teachers (78 positions total), but the vacancy rate was 5% in the 2023-24 school year.  In the previous two school years, the CTE vacancy rate was 11% and 8%, respectively.  

Early Childhood Education 

These teachers work with the district’s youngest learners, laying the groundwork for lifelong curiosity and academic success. D.C.’s early childhood vacancy rate is larger this year, with a 3% vacancy rate in the 2021-22 school year, 1% in 2022-23, and 4% in 2023-24.

How Washington, D.C., is Responding to Shortages 

D.C. education leaders are using several strategies to address teacher shortages. Professional development programs help current teachers earn endorsements in high-need areas, like special education or ESL. D.C. schools also partner with colleges and universities on alternative certification pathways to attract career changers with relevant expertise in fields like science and technology. 

For District of Columbia Public Schools, specifically, the mayor’s proposed budget includes a 3% raise for teachers, intended to attract and retain quality educators.  

How to Position Yourself for a High-Demand Subject 

If you’re considering a teaching career in one of these in-demand specializations in D.C., here are a few steps you can take to make yourself a more competitive candidate: 

Build Relevant Experience 

Gain experience by volunteering in schools, tutoring students, or working with community organizations. This demonstrates your commitment and helps you build practical skills. You could also consider working as a substitute teacher to get a feel for the classroom. 

Develop Cultural Competency 

D.C.’s student population is incredibly diverse. Taking courses in multicultural education or learning basic phrases in languages spoken by students can help you connect more effectively with them and their families. This is especially valuable for ESL and special education roles. 

Pursue Additional Certifications 

Having more than one certification can make you a more versatile and attractive candidate. Try to consider not just the job you want today but what you think may interest you 5, 10, or even 20 years down the line.

Network Within Education Communities 

Connect with current D.C. educators through professional organizations, job fairs, and school events. These relationships can provide valuable insights into school culture and upcoming opportunities. Many teachers find their positions through networking, so building these connections is key. 

Get Certified with Moreland 

When you’re ready to take the leap, you could earn your D.C. teaching certification in as little as 9 months through Moreland University. Our TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is fully accredited and 100% online, with rolling admissions, monthly start dates, and small classes with educators from around the globe.  

Once you finish the TEACH-NOW program, you have the option to earn your master’s degree in just an additional 3 months.