This article explores two ways of knowing about teacher demand within the context of HIV/AIDS. It argues that by privileging particular variables that one wants to conceptualise, interrogate and understand, projections on teacher demands may vary. Which variables then needs to be conceptualised and what projections on teacher demand are reasonable within the HIV/AIDS pandemic? This article further explores possible responses that higher education needs to consider with respect to teacher supply and demand. The search for new and appropriate research methodologies within the veil of secrecy that shrouds HIV/AIDS is yet a challenge for higher education to inform research in this area. (Contains 5 tables and 4 notes.)