Half of Elementary School Math Teachers in Israel Lack Proper Qualifications, CBS Report Shows

A recent report from the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) reveals that only about 51% of elementary school math teachers in Israel are properly qualified to teach the subject. This figure has remained stable over the past 14 years, indicating that nearly half of the teachers instructing children under age 12 lack the necessary academic degrees, teaching certificates, or specific training in math education.

The report also highlights a more positive scenario in middle and high schools, where approximately 80% and 81% of math teachers respectively meet qualification standards. In the sciences, only about 52% of elementary school teachers are qualified, though the rate improves to 79% in middle schools. Despite these figures, a significant portion of unqualified teachers continue teaching for extended periods; for example, around 60% of unqualified elementary math teachers have taught for three or more years.

The number of math teachers has increased substantially over the past decade, outpacing student growth by 47% in elementary schools, 28% in middle schools, and 30% in high schools. Science teaching staff numbers have also grown, but unevenly across disciplines, with computer science teachers increasing by 37% in high schools compared to only 6% in physics and 5% in chemistry, while student numbers rose by 18%.

Teacher attrition rates are notable, especially among new science teachers: in elementary schools, 11.3% leave after one year, 18.1% after three years, and 23.2% after five years. Similar trends appear in middle schools. Attrition rates vary by subject, with computer science teachers showing the highest five-year departure rate at 30.6%, followed by biology (26%), chemistry (25.5%), and physics (23.7%). Math teachers also experience significant turnover, with nearly 20% leaving elementary teaching within five years.

These findings underscore ongoing challenges in ensuring qualified teaching staff in Israel's math and science education, amid rising teacher numbers and substantial retention issues.