Nationwide Teacher Shortages Impact Millions: 1 in 8 Positions Vacant or Uncertified

Sep 12, 2025
Learning Policy Institute
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Summary

Nationwide teacher shortages persist, with 1 in 8 teaching positions vacant or filled by uncertified educators, impacting over 6 million students; some states face worsening shortages while others implement reforms, signaling need for sustained solutions to stabilize the workforce.

Key Points

  • Teacher shortages persist with about 1 in 8 teaching positions unfilled or filled by teachers without full certification, impacting over 6 million students nationally
  • While some states like Mississippi show progress in reducing uncertified teachers, others like Arizona face deepening shortages with over 60% increase in uncertified teachers
  • Maryland's reforms aim to stabilize the workforce, but unfilled positions declined alongside growing reliance on emergency credentials, signaling need for sustained solutions

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