Israel Sees Growth in Math and Science Teachers Amid Challenges in Retention and Qualification

New data from the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics reveals an increase in the number of teachers in mathematics and science for the 2025/26 school year, alongside significant challenges in teacher retention and professional qualification. The total number of science teachers rose to 15,949 from 15,587 the previous year, marking a 42% increase since 2011/12. However, full-time teaching positions slightly declined from 7,479 to 7,455. Student-to-teacher ratios improved in elementary and middle schools but slightly worsened in high schools.

Despite the growth in teacher numbers, retention remains problematic. Among new science teachers, attrition rates reached 23.2% after five years in elementary schools and 20.2% in middle schools. Similar trends were observed across specific science subjects, with computer science teachers increasing by 47% since 2011/12 but experiencing a 30.6% five-year attrition rate. Average teaching hours per student decreased across all science disciplines.

Professional qualification is another concern. Approximately 56% of elementary and 70% of middle school science teachers lack formal qualifications in their subjects, with many teaching for three or more years without appropriate credentials. Annually, around 439 graduates with teaching degrees in science enter the profession, with 86% starting teaching and 60% within a year of graduation. Additionally, about 233 academic career changers enter science teaching yearly, with 73% starting and 65% within a year.

In mathematics, the number of teachers grew to 27,502 in 2025/26, a 71% increase since 2011/12, though full-time positions slightly decreased from 13,895 to 13,838. Student-to-teacher ratios improved significantly across all education levels, and average teaching hours per student increased in elementary and middle schools. However, 60% of elementary and around 70% of middle and high school math teachers lack professional qualifications, with many teaching for extended periods without proper credentials.

Attrition rates for new math teachers were 19.9% after five years in elementary schools, 15.9% in middle schools, and 19% in high schools. These findings highlight the ongoing challenges in maintaining a qualified and stable teaching workforce in Israel's math and science education sectors.