Maryland Education Jobs are Top Notch

Recent rankings suggest that those with Maryland education jobs are doing an excellent job.

Newsweek recently released its list of the Top 1,500 U.S. High Schools, which included 83 Maryland schools. This comes on the heels of Education Week ranking Maryland schools number one in January.

Officials have noted that test scores are increasing in every county, grade and subject area across the state. Also, white students, black students, high income and low income students of all ages are testing higher than they did five years ago.

“Now is more important than ever, even in these difficult times, to continue to protect our investments in public education to ensure that every child receives a world class education and a better future," Gov. Martin O'Malley said. "The people of Maryland are our greatest asset and our continued economic strength depends upon our ability to invest in them, and prepare our children today for the jobs of tomorrow.”

As of late, the Maryland State Department of Education has been working with state school systems to help bring educational excellence to every part of the state. The DOE has worked with the College Board to bring numerous Advanced Placement courses to schools in rural and urban communities that had few offerings in the past.

Those efforts have resulted in more students from underrepresented groups getting involved. As a whole, the State of Maryland ranks first in the country in terms of the percentage of students who take AP tests and score at the college mastery level.

“This new research from Newsweek shows that we are making a difference," Nancy S. Grasmick, state superintendent of schools, said. "Educators are inspiring our students to do more, and our students are responding. Time and time again we see that our students will rise to meet the high expectations that are set forth for them.”

On top of all the accolades, Maryland's education industry is one of the few that is continuing to add jobs. While other industries are consistently shedding jobs because of the current economic recession, teachers continue to be hired.

The state's education and health services industry employed 390,000 workers during May, according to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is up from 389,400 workers during April and a 2.3 percent increase from last year.