Economy

Nearly Half of Elementary Math and Science Teachers Lack Subject Training

Published

Courtroom-sketch editorial illustration of male students seated separately on bright orange chairs at gray desks in an Israeli classroom, writing during a lesson while an instructor sits at the rear, drawn in warm ochre and slate-blue pastel with cross-hatching on sepia newsprint.

New Central Bureau of Statistics data show that only 52% of elementary science teachers and about 51% of elementary mathematics teachers had a relevant degree, teaching certificate or license in 2025/26. Israel employed 15,949 science teachers and 27,502 mathematics teachers, increases of 2.3% and 1.9%, respectively, even as science teaching hours fell 0.3% and mathematics hours fell 0.4%. Among new elementary teachers, five-year attrition reached 23.2% in science and 19.9% in mathematics. The science figures exclude Haredi education, according to the release's footnote.

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