World Teachers’ Day Highlights Global Teacher Shortage

UNESCO infographic on the global teacher shortage.

Countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development — 34 mostly high-income economies — average 21 students per teacher, but in the Central African Republic the ratio is 84 to one. Sub-Saharan Africa is the area most in need of teachers, but they’re in high demand in numerous countries around the world.

It’s a significant problem worth thinking about, especially today, World Teachers’ Day.  The event takes place October 5 every year, and the slogan this year is “Take a stand for teachers!” The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) sponsors the event, along with the International Labor Organization, United Nations Development Program, UNICEF, and Education International.

Watch a message from UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova.