The current teacher shortage isn’t just local, it’s global

With just five years to go, the aim of achieving the target of quality education across the globe by 2030 (Sustainable Development Goal 4) is at risk.

Back in February 2024, UNESCO published its Global report on teachers: addressing teacher shortages. It revealed a critical global teacher shortage, with a projected deficit of approximately 44 million staff by 2030.

Some statistics from around the world from 2024 and 2025.

Australia has a shortfall of 4,100 secondary teachers this year. 1
New Zealand’s Ministry of Education has warned that schools could be short of 1,250 teachers in 2025. 2
The USA currently has around 36,500 teacher vacancies. 3
There will be a shortfall of 25,000 teachers in Germany this year. 4
By 2030, Portugal will have a deficit of 30,000 educators. 4
France has 4,000 vacant teacher posts in 2025. 4
The UK has a target of recruiting 6,500 new teachers to address its supply challenges. 5
Sub-Saharan Africa will need 15 million new teachers by 2030. 6
In Latin America and the Caribbean, 3.2 million teachers are needed. 7

It’s clear that attracting and retaining teachers is a serious problem – and with so many vacancies across the globe, a lack of education and educational opportunities will have serious consequences for people, communities, countries and their progress.

We know the risks for populations of not having enough teachers: bigger class sizes and less personal guidance; lower outcomes; lack of higher education qualifications; less innovation; less development; and reduced economic stability, let alone benefits. We also know some of the things that could lead to plugging these gaps – better working conditions, remuneration, training and support.

Each country has its own nuanced challenges, however, and what works in one country does not necessarily work in another. It’s clear that changes must be made – and urgently – if students and countries are to thrive in the future.

Read more details and recommendations in the UNESCO report.