DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Dawn Moten is passionate about her career in education.

"I love it. I absolutely love teaching," the Dallas ISD third grade teacher said.

But, she worries about her future.

"On a scale to one to 10, 10 being the scariest, probably an eight right now," she said.

Faced with a budget shortfall of up to $27 billion, state lawmakers are looking to make drastic cuts to education funding. In the first draft of the state budget, public education was cut by $9.3 billion.

"Right now, I'm just trying to get some networking, some opportunities, see what's out there right now, maybe even a different position – something, anything at this point," Moten said.

Moten and dozens of other educators attended a job fair at St. Mark's School of Texas in Dallas Saturday afternoon. Nine private schools in North Texas and a school district in Nevada accepted applications and even conducted interviews on the spot.

"I'm looking for an admin position, to be hired on as an academic dean," said David Robison, who previously worked as a consultant and transitioned into the education field during the height of the economic downturn.

Some applicants, like Lachrystal Starling, have never worked in education. Starling currently works with an insurance company, and is willing to leave a stable job in order to pursue a passion.

"I have an extensive background in physical education and fitness," Starling said.

As for Moten, she will continue to look for other opportunities, but she is most concerned about the future of the children she teaches.

"My biggest worry is that these classes are going to get so large, that education is going to get watered down, that there are going to be so few teachers, and the kids are going to suffer more," she said.