Israel's education system faces 3,000-teacher shortage

Israel's education system is short 3,000 educators as of the end of July, according to a report from KAN News. The shortage includes 200 kindergarten teachers, 100 of whom are in special education. The gap is primarily concentrated in scientific topics and is most prevalent in the Tel Aviv and Central districts.

In July 2025, the lack of educators stood at 5,000, which would theoretically indicate an improvement on the part of the Education Ministry. However, the reduction in numbers can be partly attributed to teachers taking on subjects outside of their expertise. For example, the past year saw sports teachers taking on English classes for which they were not appropriately trained, and physical education teachers leading lessons in computing. As such, concern is mounting that this school year will see one teacher leading two classes at a time.

Though pitfalls in education systems are a global issue, Israel's shortage is notably extreme. In the percentage of principals who report a decline in the quality of teaching due to a shortage of teachers, Israel ranks third-to-last after the Netherlands and Latvia.

Coverage comparison

The Jerusalem Post reported on both the shortage and the subsequent negotiations between the ministries and the union. The first article focused on the shortage, citing a KAN News report and quoting concerns from the Teachers' Union. The second article detailed the agreement reached between the Finance Ministry, the Education Ministry, and the Secondary School Teachers' Union, which included a five-day school week and financial incentives for certain teachers.

Key claims

  • Israel faces a shortage of 3,000 educators, including 200 kindergarten teachers, as reported by KAN News.
  • The shortage is primarily concentrated in scientific topics and is most prevalent in the Tel Aviv and Central districts.
  • Teachers are taking on subjects outside of their expertise, such as sports teachers teaching English, contributing to concerns about teaching quality.
  • The Teachers' Union threatened strikes over the lack of staff and resources.
  • A report from KAN News noted that in the percentage of principals reporting a decline in teaching quality due to teacher shortages, Israel ranks third-to-last after the Netherlands and Latvia.
  • The Finance Ministry, Education Ministry, and Secondary School Teachers' Union reached an agreement after two months of negotiations, according to the Jerusalem Post.
  • The agreement includes the continuation of the transition toward a five-day school week, one day less than the current six-day week.
  • The decree docking teachers' pay on June 8 was canceled as part of the agreement.
  • Physics teachers will receive a 4% bonus for preparing students for the highest-level matriculation examination (Bagrut), matching the bonus chemistry teachers receive.
  • Teachers who teach classes with integrated special education students will receive annual grants based on the number of children with disabilities in their classes.
  • The number of annual early retirees was increased from 320 to 350, citing 'high demand from teachers wishing to retire early due to burnout.'