Behind the rise in the number of teachers: who is actually teaching math and science?
CBS data indicates an increase in the number of math and science teachers since 2011, but also reveals gaps in professional qualifications and significant attrition rates among new teachers. In some cases, teachers continue to teach these core subjects for three years or more despite lacking the proper qualifications.
Data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) published today, Wednesday, points to an increase in the number of math and science teachers in the 2025/26 school year, but also reveals significant challenges: a slight decrease in the number of full-time positions, high attrition rates among new teachers, and a significant proportion of teachers teaching these subjects without professional qualifications.
According to CBS data, in the 2025/26 school year, there were 15,949 science teachers in Israel, compared to 15,587 the previous year. Compared to the 2011/12 school year, when there were 11,421 science teachers, this is an increase of about 42%. However, there was a slight decrease in the number of full-time positions: about 7,455 full-time science teaching positions in 2025/26, compared to 7,479 the previous year.
Between 2011/12 and 2025/26, the average number of students per science teacher in elementary education decreased from about 155 to 127, and in middle school from 77 to 65. In contrast, in high school, there was a slight increase from 96 students per teacher to 97.
Alongside the increase in the number of teachers, CBS data points to a challenge in retaining them in the system. Attrition rates for new science teachers in elementary education stood at 11.3% after one year, 18.1% after three years, and 23.2% after five years. In middle school, attrition rates stood at 10.8%, 16.7%, and 20.2% respectively.
Broken down by scientific discipline, between 2011/12 and 2025/26, the number of computer science teachers rose by 47%, physics by 16%, biology by 41%, and chemistry by 27%. However, significant attrition rates were also recorded in these subjects, with five-year attrition rates for new teachers ranging from 23.7% to 30.6%.
Another prominent figure concerns professional qualifications. According to the CBS, in elementary education, about 56% of teachers lacking the qualifications to teach science have been teaching the subject for three years or more. In middle school, the rate is about 70% on average.
In mathematics, there was also a significant increase in the number of teachers: in the 2025/26 school year, there were 27,502 math teachers, a 71% increase compared to 2011/12. However, the scope of teaching decreased slightly, with full-time positions falling to 13,838 from 13,895 the previous year.
Professional qualification data in mathematics also raises questions: in elementary education, about 60% of teachers lacking the qualifications to teach math have been teaching the subject for three years or more; in middle school, the rate is about 70%, and in high school, about 68% on average.
