Despite low pay and high burnout, a surprising number of Gen Z graduates are choosing to become teachers. Teach For America’s chief growth officer says young people are “craving human connection and experiences that feel real,” and in Gen Z’s eyes, teaching offers exactly that. Economic uncertainty is also pushing graduates toward fields with major shortages—and away from the once shiny tech industry—and TFA has seen a 43% increase in fellowship applicants over the past three years. Once in the classroom, Gen Z educators are bringing fresh approaches: prioritizing social-emotional learning, teaching media literacy, and rethinking how history and current events are discussed. But sustainability for this career remains a concern: 53% of teachers report feeling burnout and U.S. schools continuing to lose an estimated $150B in funding annually. (The Guardian)
👀 Read more from YPulse: 2025 Employment / Career Goals Behavioral Report
