The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) is a forum and knowledge hub for data, analysis and best practices in public policy. We work with over 100 countries across the world to build stronger, fairer and cleaner societies – helping to shape better policies for better lives.
OECD
EDUCATION AT A GLANCE 2026
Teacher shortages are putting pressure on education systems across the OECD
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Teacher shortages affect most OECD education systems to varying degrees, with recruitment challenges particularly acute in mathematics and science, as well as in rural, remote and disadvantaged communities.
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Education systems have tools to increase the supply of teachers
Beyond pay and working conditions, teachers' job satisfaction also depends on school climate, professional autonomy, public recognition and relationships with students, parents and school leaders.
Across the OECD, 85% of teachers report being satisfied with their jobs, much like workers in other professions, but differences between countries are substantial. Teachers are 20 percentage points more likely to be satisfied than other workers in Japan, where vacancies are low, and 21 percentage points less likely in Chile, which has the highest vacancy rate.
Well-designed pathways for mid-career professionals can also expand and diversify the teacher workforce. In Australia and the Netherlands, more than 15% of lower secondary teachers are second-career teachers, but such pathways remain limited in many other countries.
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About the OECD
The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) is a forum and knowledge hub for data, analysis and best practices in public policy. We work with over 100 countries across the world to build stronger, fairer and cleaner societies – helping to shape better policies for better lives.