2.6 Million Israeli Students Return to School Amid Teacher Shortage

Approximately 2.6 million Israeli students, including 180,000 first-graders, began the new school year on Tuesday. Several political leaders marked the occasion by visiting educational institutions across the country. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to open the school year in Ramle with Education Minister Yoav Kisch, while Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana visited Ma'ale Adumim. President Isaac Herzog and his wife were visiting schools in Ein Hamifratz and Sheikh Danun. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was attending events in Rishon LeZion, including the inauguration of new school and kindergarten facilities.

This return to school occurs against the backdrop of significant challenges within Israel's education system, most notably a severe shortage of teaching staff. Data from the Central Bureau of Statistics indicates a deficit of 30,871 teachers nationwide. The most critical shortages are in Hebrew language instruction, with a need for 12,799 teachers, and mathematics, where 10,255 positions are unfilled. Shortages also exist in science (4,389 teachers) and English (3,428 teachers).

Teacher salaries remain a contentious issue, with starting salaries around 7,000 shekels and experienced teachers earning approximately 22,300 shekels. Furthermore, a recent international study surveying 20 developed countries ranked Israeli teachers 17th in terms of skills based on surveys conducted in 2022 and 2023.