High School Teaching:
* Popularity (overall): While not universally seen as the *most* popular career choice, high school teaching remains a relatively popular profession for those passionate about working with adolescents and shaping young minds. It's a stable career path with benefits and job security (although the level of security varies by location and subject area).
* Demand: The demand for high school teachers fluctuates depending on location and subject area. There's often a higher demand for teachers in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, math) and special education, while other subjects might experience periods of surplus or shortage. Rural areas often struggle to attract and retain teachers.
* Perceived drawbacks: Some potential drawbacks that may affect its popularity include relatively lower salaries compared to other professions requiring similar levels of education, high workload, and challenges associated with classroom management and student behavior.
College Teaching:
* Popularity (overall): A college teaching position is highly competitive. It is a desirable career for many academics, but the number of available tenure-track positions is significantly less than the number of applicants. Most college instructors begin with adjunct or part-time positions, which typically offer less job security and lower pay.
* Demand: The demand for college professors is generally lower than for high school teachers, though specific subject areas may experience greater demand. The academic job market is fiercely competitive, especially for tenure-track positions.
* Perceived drawbacks: The intense competition for tenure-track positions, lower pay relative to other fields requiring a doctorate, the heavy emphasis on research and publishing for career advancement, and often significant teaching load are significant drawbacks.
In short: Both high school and college teaching attract individuals passionate about their subjects and educating others. However, the level of "popularity" is significantly influenced by factors like job security, salary, and the intensity of competition. High school teaching tends to have a wider appeal due to a greater number of available positions, while college teaching, particularly tenure-track positions, is extraordinarily competitive.