The teacher shortage is also a challenge of retaining staff

UNESCO estimates that the world needs 50 million additional teachers to ensure access to pre-primary, primary and secondary education by 2030. The figures appear in its World Teachers' Day material, last updated on 13 October 2026.

The organisation reports about 107 million teachers in 2026, with 58% of additional demand linked to people leaving the profession. Retention therefore sits alongside recruitment as a major challenge.

Its analysis also found teachers earning less than similarly qualified workers in 27 of 68 countries compared. That finding should not be extended to countries outside the comparison.

The figures raise a question of sustainability: how can hiring become lasting teaching capacity? Working conditions, training and professional support matter. UNESCO also emphasises that AI should support teachers' professional judgement rather than replace it.