To tackle teacher shortages, the teaching profession needs to appeal to a wider group of graduates, according to new research from Durham University. The study, which looked at 18 countries, found that low pay, lack of resources, and poor student behaviour are major factors behind the difficulty in recruiting and keeping teachers.

Popular solutions like bursaries, scholarships, and performance-based pay haven’t worked, the study suggests. Instead, the focus should shift to drawing in people who haven’t yet considered teaching, rather than simply offering more incentives to those already in the profession. To do this, raising the status of teaching, increasing pay, and providing better resources in schools are key.

Attracting new recruits

The researchers examined data on teacher pay, working conditions, and broader education policies across countries, including how societies value teachers and how salaries in teaching compare to other graduate professions. In Europe, 35 out of 43 education systems face teacher shortages despite years of effort and investment. The OECD has repeatedly stressed the urgency of addressing this problem.

The situation is particularly serious in England, where teacher training targets have been missed for several years, especially in secondary schools. English teachers also work longer hours than many of their peers abroad, and only 25% feel valued by society. Countries where teachers are less respected, like England, France, and Japan, tend to struggle more with shortages. By contrast, nations such as Singapore, South Korea, and Finland—where teachers are more appreciated—report fewer issues.

The research shows that increasing teacher pay is a better long-term solution than offering temporary incentives like bonuses. Adding more resources to classrooms could also help retain teachers without breaking the bank. Another area that needs attention is the abuse and intimidation of teachers by students, which could be addressed through policy changes that don’t require huge financial investments.

This study also explored how factors like population density and the job market for graduates outside teaching affect teacher shortages. It highlights the need to raise the profession’s profile, improve working conditions, and explore new ways to support teachers’ professional growth. These steps, the researchers argue, should guide future discussions between policymakers, educators, and researchers to create lasting improvements in the education system.