The world will need an additional 50 million teachers by 2030 to meet global education needs, according to new UNESCO data.
The figure includes 44 million teachers needed to achieve universal primary and secondary education. Another 6 million will be required for pre-primary education.
Africanews reported that the figures were released for World Teachers’ Day in a joint message from UNESCO, the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNICEF and Education International.
“Every learner deserves a teacher who is well prepared, well supported and empowered to thrive in the profession,” the organisations said.
Teacher shortage threatens access to education
The warning comes as millions of children around the world remain outside the classroom.
According to a UNESCO report released in March 2026, as many as 273 million children worldwide are out of school. The number has increased for seven consecutive years.
UNESCO stressed that teachers remain essential to guaranteeing the fundamental right to education.
The latest figures also highlight the scale of recruitment needed over the next few years. Most of the additional teachers will be required at primary and secondary school level.
Teachers face concerns over pay and recognition
UNESCO also called for greater professional recognition and better working conditions for teachers.
This includes adequate salaries and material support. New data found that pre-primary and primary school teachers earn slightly less than other professionals with comparable qualifications.
Many teachers also feel their work is not sufficiently valued.
In 75% of countries participating in the OECD’s 2024 Teaching and Learning International Survey, fewer than 40% of teachers said they felt their profession was valued.
World Teachers’ Day marks 60-year milestone
The latest message also marked the 60th anniversary of the Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
The document established standards covering teachers’ rights and responsibilities. It also addressed their training, recruitment, employment and working conditions.
UNESCO and its partners say addressing the global teacher shortage will require countries to recruit more educators while also improving conditions for those already working in classrooms.
Without enough trained and supported teachers, efforts to expand access to education could face significant challenges as the 2030 deadline approaches.