UNESCO Projects Global Need for 50 Million More Teachers by 2030

The world is projected to need 50 million additional teachers by 2030, according to new data released by UNESCO.

The estimate includes 44 million teachers needed to achieve universal primary and secondary education, alongside a further 6 million required for pre-primary education.

Call for stronger support for teachers

UNESCO, the International Labor Organization, the United Nations Children’s Fund and Education International issued a joint message on teachers and education on Monday. The message coincided with the 60th anniversary of the Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.

That recommendation established teachers’ rights and responsibilities and set standards covering their preparation, further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions.

“Every learner deserves a teacher who is well prepared, well supported and empowered to thrive in the profession,” the organisations said in their joint message.

UNESCO also reaffirmed that teachers are essential to guaranteeing the fundamental human right to education. The organisation highlighted the importance of professional recognition and adequate material conditions, including salaries.

Concerns over pay and recognition

UNESCO reported that pre-primary and primary teachers earn slightly less than other professionals with similar qualifications. The organisation also cited findings from the OECD’s Teaching and Learning International Survey 2024, which indicated that in 75% of participating countries, fewer than 40% of teachers felt their profession was valued.

“Fewer than 40% of teachers felt that their profession was valued,” UNESCO said in its reference to the survey findings.

The projection comes as millions of children remain outside the education system. A UNESCO report released in March 2026 said that up to 273 million children globally are out of school, with the number having increased for a seventh consecutive year.

UNESCO’s figures do not provide a country-by-country breakdown of the projected teacher requirement. They underline the scale of the staffing challenge facing efforts to expand access to pre-primary, primary and secondary education worldwide.