Despite the nation's most severe economic downturn in
decades — or perhaps because of it — the
Johns Hopkins University schools of Education and Nursing are
experiencing strong increases in
applications. For the six-month period ending Dec. 31,
2008, applications rose 30 percent for the
School of Education and 11 percent for the School of
Nursing over the same period in 2007.
Both programs prepare students for careers that are
increasingly being recognized as
"recessionproof." A recent Time magazine/CNN report
listed both fields among the nation's top-five
careers that are least sensitive to economic downturn and
rate high on projected workforce growth.
Both professions are experiencing a shortage in many states
nationwide.
"Nursing and teaching are not just a way out of the
economic slump but a clear path to success,"
said Martha Hill, dean of the School of Nursing. Ralph
Fessler, dean of the School of Education,
added, "Whether an individual is just starting out or
looking to change careers, these two professions
offer significant rewards and benefits, and provide
opportunities to make a real difference in the
community."
The two schools will be hosting a series of workshops
and open houses for those considering new
careers in teaching and nursing.
The School of Education will hold a workshop called
Becoming a Teacher at 4:30 p.m. on
Thursday, Jan. 22, at its Columbia Center location and at 9
p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, in the Education
Building on the Homewood campus. These workshops are
specifically designed for individuals who want
to pursue a nontraditional path into teaching, such as
career changers, early retirees or stay-at-home
spouses who want to return to work. For more information go
to www.education.jhu.edu.
The School of Nursing holds weekly tour and
information sessions at 10 a.m. each Friday and is
sponsoring an open house at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March
28, on the East Baltimore campus. For
information on the weekly sessions, go to
www.son.jhmi.edu/apply/more/infosession; for more about
the open house, go to:
www.son.jhmi.edu/apply/more/openhouse.