Israel's education system lacks 1,500 teachers as new school year looms ahead

Within this total, the biggest shortage is in central Israel, with a shortage of 726 teachers, followed by Tel Aviv at 467, and then southern Israel at 145.

Israel’s education system faces a staff shortage of 1,539 teachers ahead of the upcoming 2025 school year, Education Ministry statistics on Sunday revealed.

As of this Sunday, the shortage of teaching staff stands at 1,539 teachers out of a potential pool of approximately 200,000 educators in the entire system.

Within this total, the biggest shortage falls in central Israel, with a shortage of 726 teachers, followed by Tel Aviv at 467, and then southern Israel at 145.

In Jerusalem, there is a shortage of 64 teachers; in the West Bank, 56; in Haifa, 55; and in northern Israel, 26.

The Education Ministry’s data only refers to school teachers and does not include kindergarten teachers, counselors, or special education staff.

The ministry said it was in the process of collaborating with school principals and regional recruitment centers for mapping and placement efforts.

Efforts to reduce the teaching shortage include expanding the employment of retirees, retraining academic graduates, regional reinforcements, and targeted placement in needed subjects.

Previous warnings that school year opening would be delayed

Earlier in August, Education Minister Yoav Kisch (Likud) warned that the start of the upcoming school year may be delayed due to unresolved funding issues.

While speaking at the Knesset’s Education Committee meeting, Kisch underscored that the budget issues stemmed from the Finance Ministry and National Security Ministry not having finalized funding for school security.

“Without providing security for educational institutions, we will not begin the school year,” Kisch said at the meeting.

Keshet Neev contributed to this report.