The US teacher shortage has reached crisis proportions with 300,000 positions unfilled at the start of the 2025-2026 school year, forcing districts to increase class sizes, hire uncertified staff, and cut programs.

Root Causes

Low pay relative to other professions, burnout, lack of classroom support, and politicization of curriculum are driving teachers from the profession. The average teacher salary of $65,000 is 20% below comparable positions requiring the same education.

Solutions Being Tried

Several states have raised starting salaries above $50,000, and 12 states now offer tuition-free teacher preparation programs.