Empower Education: Discover Effective Ways to Defend, Strengthen, and Fund Learning Initiatives

Education is a basic human right and a responsibility shared by all of us. It thrives thanks to dedicated teachers who work hard every day in schools around the world. But when teachers are mistreated, the right to education is at risk.

Our recent Global Status of Teachers Survey reveals a troubling reality: we urgently need more qualified educators. In fact, we require 44 million additional teachers just for primary and secondary schools. Many more are needed at other levels of education.

The shortage of teachers is leaving millions of children without access to education. This isn’t just a loss for them; it’s a loss for all of us. Ignoring this crisis is not an option.

From the ground up, teacher unions across 121 countries have shared their stories. They underline that teacher shortages are a key issue for educators everywhere. Those who still teach face overwhelming workloads, poor salaries, and tough working conditions. This survey, the first since the pandemic, provides crucial insights into the health of our education systems and the teaching profession.

There are significant shortages across all education levels, especially in specialized and secondary education, as well as in subjects like math and science. The most severe shortages are reported in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and North America, with European nations also feeling the strain.

The reasons for these shortages are clear: many teachers are underpaid, and they leave the profession faster than new ones can be recruited. Issues like limited career growth, high workloads, large class sizes, and mental health struggles are driving teachers away. Yet, many governments overlook these issues and ignore the teachers’ calls for better working conditions.

Simply put, teachers are undervalued, and action is needed from governments to fix this situation.

Beyond their own challenges, teachers worry about their students and the education system. Many unions report that schools lack proper funding and fair distribution of resources.

A growing trend of privatization is deepening inequalities, benefiting a few while neglecting the most vulnerable students. Public schools are often under-resourced, putting extra pressure on teachers who strive to support marginalized students, including those with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Teachers’ unions are advocating for better funding for public education and a fair allocation of resources. They firmly believe that education should not be subject to market forces; it’s a public service that requires a collective commitment.

Many years ago, education unions warned about the teacher shortage. Two years ago, on the International Day of Education, we launched the Go Public! Fund Education campaign, urging governments to invest more in public education.

No technological advancement can replace the need for qualified teachers. Successful education systems, whether in Finland or Singapore, share key policies: governments must prioritize education, offering competitive salaries, good working conditions, and opportunities for career growth. Teachers need manageable workloads, respect for their expertise, and smaller classes. Collaboration with unions in education policy development is essential.

These conditions empower teachers, allowing them to thrive and remain in a profession that benefits us all. These principles have long been the core demands of education unions.

The United Nations has recognized this call for action and developed the United Nations Recommendations on the Teaching Profession. These recommendations provide a clear roadmap to strengthen education and the teaching profession, backed by teachers worldwide.

Key recommendations demand fair salaries, secure jobs, good working conditions, and a work-life balance. They emphasize that all teachers should have access to public initial training and that ongoing professional development must be free and integrated into their work. Inclusive, safe, and equitable working environments are essential, and there should be increased support for women in leadership roles.

Moreover, the recommendations highlight the need for social dialogue and collective bargaining in shaping education policies and ensuring fair employment conditions.

The latest Global Status of Teachers Report supports the UN’s recommendations and provides solid evidence for the necessary changes. After years of neglect and ineffective policies, we now have a shared vision for enhancing the teaching profession and addressing the teacher shortage.

Education unions have played a critical role in this movement. But our work isn’t done. We need to organize and push governments to take action. Every day, we must advocate for education that is strong and well-funded. Our collective goal is to turn the UN’s recommendations into reality for all teachers and students around the globe. Together, we can urge all governments to prioritize and fund education.