New Study Finds Israeli Teachers Rank Low in OECD Skill Comparison

A recent study by the Shoresh Institution for Socioeconomic Research reveals that Israeli teachers possess significantly lower skills than their counterparts in OECD countries. Based on the 2022-2023 PIAAC international skills survey, which assessed literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving abilities, Israel ranked 16th out of 19 countries, with only Italy, Latvia, and Poland scoring lower. Israeli teachers scored below OECD peers across all three skill areas and age groups.

The research, conducted by Dr. Yael Meltzer, also highlighted educational attainment gaps: 78% of Israeli teachers hold academic degrees compared to 84% in OECD countries, and only 37% have master's degrees versus 49% elsewhere. Even among academically qualified teachers, their average skill levels were lower than those of Israeli academics in other professions and OECD teachers. However, teachers with only secondary education in Israel scored higher than similarly educated workers in other fields.

Significant disparities were found within Israel's education system. Teachers in Arab education scored an average of 228, much lower than those in Haredi (261), state (268), and state-religious (271) systems, while the OECD average was 281. Early childhood educators had the lowest scores, trailing upper secondary teachers by about 7-10% across the skill domains. The study emphasized the concern over low early childhood teacher skills given their impact on children's cognitive and emotional development.

Prof. Dan Ben-David, president of Shoresh, stated that the findings indicate Israel struggles to attract and retain highly skilled academics as teachers. He called for reforms in recruitment, training, and compensation, including reconsidering admission criteria and prioritizing actual skills. Ben-David suggested a pathway where prospective teachers first earn a university degree in their subject before receiving pedagogical training, alongside targeted investment in Arab education and early childhood teaching.