在县城当老师，没那么吃香了

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the changing landscape of teaching jobs in rural areas, particularly in Wanian County, Jiangxi Province, where the once stable and respected profession of teaching is facing significant challenges due to declining student populations and shifting educational policies [4][16][23]. Summary by Sections Teacher Employment Situation - Yang Xiao, a former teacher, faced uncertainty after her school was merged due to insufficient student enrollment, leading her to take on tutoring while awaiting a teaching position in the county [5][6]. - Wanian County has seen a drastic decline in birth rates, with the number of newborns dropping from 7,934 in 2008 to 2,478 in 2024, resulting in a surplus of teachers as student numbers decrease [6][25]. - Other counties in Jiangxi have also reported no plans for teacher recruitment due to similar trends, indicating a broader issue across the region [6][7]. Changing Perception of Teaching - Teaching was once viewed as a stable and respectable career, often referred to as a "iron rice bowl," but this perception is changing as job security diminishes [9][15][23]. - Teachers like Li Lin and Hu Qun express concerns about job stability and the pressures of adapting to new roles as schools consolidate and student numbers dwindle [15][20][24]. Declining Student Enrollment - Wanian County's educational landscape is shrinking, with the number of schools decreasing from 153 in 2022 to 113 in 2024, reflecting a significant reduction in student enrollment [18][19]. - The county's education department anticipates a yearly decline of over 4,000 students, leading to an annual surplus of approximately 230 teachers [25][26]. Financial Pressures - The county's education budget has decreased significantly, with a total revenue budget of 98.54 million yuan in 2025, down by 54.25 million yuan from the previous year, indicating financial constraints impacting teacher employment [26]. - The combination of declining student numbers and financial pressures is leading to a reduction in teaching positions, further complicating the job market for educators [27]. Future Outlook - Experts suggest that the current educational management system, which is primarily county-based, is inadequate for addressing the rapid changes in student populations and teacher needs [27]. - There is a call for dynamic teacher allocation systems to better respond to demographic shifts, ensuring that teacher resources are effectively utilized [27][30].