Too many elementary school teachers, not enough jobs - WNCT | 9 On Your Side Greenville NC & Eastern NC News

A teacher surplus? That's what some states are facing.

 As more students are earning degrees in elementary education, the job market may not be ready to handle the numbers.

9 on your Side wanted to know if school districts in eastern North Carolina are seeing a teacher overload.

Pitt County Schools said elementary teaching positions are the most sought after jobs in the county.

"Pitt County Schools, we also have a large pool of applicants for kindergarten through fifth grade teachers. Particularly out of that group, the largest group is people who would like to teach kindergarten through second grade," said Pitt County Schools Spokesperson, Marsha McLawhorn.

In Craven County, more than 1,000 people applied for teaching positions at elementary schools this past school year.

East Carolina University's Executive Director of Teaching Education Vivian Martin Covington encourages students to be more flexible.

"This is a large area, there are many of you; and, you may want to consider getting another license. While you do elementary, you [might] want to add on special education. A lot of our elementary school students choose to add on middle grades. If you are in an area where there may not be a job in elementary, there is a way to make yourself more marketable," said Martin Covington.

By 2021 the number of elementary teachers is expected to go up by 17%.

We did reach out to other school districts to see if they were seeing more elementary school applicants, they did not respond.