UTEP Graduates Seek Teaching Opportunities Amidst Challenging Times for School Districts

El Paso’s school districts face a tough time ahead. With layoffs, school closures, and budget cuts, they’re expected to hire fewer teachers for the 2025-26 academic year. This uncertainty has many new graduates from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) worried about their future in education.

In spring 2023, about 130 students graduated with education degrees from UTEP. Many aimed to teach in elementary or middle schools, while others with science or humanities majors hoped to find positions in high schools. However, according to Jonna Perrillo, an English professor at UTEP, this is the toughest job market she has seen in 20 years.

Perrillo emphasized the effort her students put into their education, only to face a bleak job landscape. “It’s disheartening for them to have nothing waiting,” she said, suggesting that some might need to seek teaching roles elsewhere.

Jacob Carrasco, a music major, echoed these sentiments. Despite passing his state certification exam and completing student teaching, he hasn’t secured a job yet. Recent layoffs in the district made him anxious about his prospects. Though some positions are available, the competition is fierce. The El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) reported 137 teaching openings, but many graduates feel it’s not enough.

Interestingly, starting salaries for new teachers in the region vary. In EPISD, entry-level teachers earn about $57,750. In contrast, the Socorro Independent School District (SISD) offers $60,500, and those with advanced degrees can earn even more.

Recent statistics show a decline in teacher employment across the state. The Texas Education Agency reveals that public school districts in the region employed over 10,500 teachers during the 2024-25 school year, marking a reduction of around 500 teachers from two years ago. This trend adds to the unease felt by new graduates.

Despite the challenges, some graduates maintain a positive outlook. Alexandra Dark, who graduated this spring, remains optimistic about her teaching future. “It’s too late to worry,” she said with a grin, fully embracing her educational journey.

The Texas Workforce Commission forecasts an 11% increase in K-12 teaching jobs in Texas in the coming years, which contrasts with a projected 1% decrease nationwide through 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This discrepancy highlights the varying job markets in different regions.

Meanwhile, Melissa Meza, another recent graduate, found a job at Benito Martinez Elementary in Fort Hancock, despite applying for positions closer to home. “One job listing received around 100 applications,” she noted, illustrating the competitiveness in teacher recruitment.

Sol Rodriguez, a fourth-grade teacher, shared her own struggle to find a position. She attended many job fairs and interviews before finally landing a role in the El Paso area. She found it particularly challenging as schools prioritized their displaced faculty members.

Clifton Tanabe, Dean of UTEP’s College of Education, did not provide specific insights into how the college is addressing current teacher job issues, but he emphasized the ongoing need for quality educators in the region.

Some UTEP graduates credit their success to programs like the Miner Teacher Residency, which gives student teachers extensive experience in classrooms over an academic year. Out of 132 participating candidates, many have secured promising positions.

As for those still in school, junior music major Andrea Melendez is considering her options. With her family urging her to have a backup plan, she’s contemplating extending her studies to pursue counseling. “It looks grim for fine arts,” she said, hoping for a brighter future for the arts in education.

Overall, while the current job market poses challenges for new educators in El Paso, the determination and adaptability of recent graduates show a hopeful glimmer for a future filled with potential.

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