The world needs 44 million teachers

– The shortage of teachers leads to overcrowded classrooms, reduced quality of education, and ultimately a decline in student outcomes. It also puts enormous pressure on the remaining teachers, increasing burnout and turnover, writes Carlos Vargas Tamez, who heads the teacher development section at UNESCO, to Utdanningsnytt.

In connection with World Teachers' Day on October 5, the UN organization has just released a new report on teachers and education: The Global Report on Teachers 2024.

It shows that 44 million new teachers are needed globally to ensure that all children and young people receive basic education by 2030, as outlined by the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

In 2016, the number was 69 million, so progress is being made. However, as UNESCO emphasizes in the report, 44 million is about half the number of teachers that exist today.

They are particularly concerned about the situation in Sub-Saharan African countries and countries in southern Asia.

Leaving the profession

– In these regions, rural and marginalized communities are especially vulnerable and face significant disparities in access to quality education, says Tamez.

He also points out that the shortage of teachers is a global phenomenon affecting both the Global North and South equally, especially because teachers leave the profession and do not return to the classroom.

– In some European countries, many teachers are retiring faster than qualified teachers can replace them.

The UNESCO report states that fewer than two percent of students in countries like Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Italy, and Portugal say they would choose a career as a teacher.

Studies have also shown that as many as 40 percent of teachers leave the profession within the first five years in Canada, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In Norway, the figure is around 30 percent.

According to UNESCO, low pay, low status, and challenging working conditions make the teaching profession unattractive.

"Listen to the teachers"

Their data shows that half of all countries pay teachers less than other professions requiring similar qualifications.

This drops to only 3 in 10 countries in Europe and North America. In many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, teachers earn so little that they cannot meet basic family needs.

– We urge global leaders to prioritize education by increasing funding, supporting teacher education, and implementing robust measures to attract and retain teachers. Without this, we cannot hope to solve the education crisis, says Carlos Vargas Tamez.

This year, UNESCO is also emphasizing the importance of listening to and considering the voices, knowledge, and experience of teachers.

– Teachers are on the front lines of education and have first-hand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities in the classroom. By listening to their insights, we can develop more effective and practical measures.

Shaping society

UNESCO provides examples of countries where measures are being implemented:

In India, Indonesia, and Mexico, large numbers of new teachers are being recruited. In Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, and Bhutan, governments have increased teachers’ salaries.

In Chile, teachers' workloads have been reduced. In South Korea, they have focused on mentoring new teachers, and in Namibia, Mozambique, and Benin, the number of trained teachers in schools has increased significantly in recent years.

– This year marks the 30th anniversary of World Teachers' Day as an international observance. What would you say to teachers on this occasion?

– I would like to express my deepest gratitude for their dedication and perseverance. This year's theme for World Teachers' Day, which focuses on valuing teachers' voices, highlights their critical role, not only in the classroom but also as public intellectuals shaping society. Their insights and perspectives are invaluable in leading education forward. Their tireless commitment to students is inspiring, and their efforts are crucial in building a better future for all, says UNESCO’s Carlos Vargas Tamez.