The State of the Teacher Shortage: Comparisons and Solutions

Educators and school administrators courageously face the ever-changing teacher shortage every day. Although the facts may be intimidating, Proximity Learning is ready to help you tackle this national challenge head-on. We recognize that the teacher shortage affects every state and every student, which is why we’re here to crunch the numbers and provide the best teacher shortage solutions. 

According to the Learning Policy Institute, the country continues to face an increase in vacant or non-certified teaching positions. Data from 2025 shows that 411,549 positions were either vacant or filled by a teacher not fully qualified for their job. Let’s analyze the numbers to reveal a deeper insight into the teacher shortage.

What does the teacher shortage look like in the United States?

As of June 2025:

• 31 states plus the District of Columbia (DC) reported over 45,582 teacher vacancies. 
• 48 states plus DC employed about 365,967 teachers who were not fully certified for their teaching assignment. 
• This means that a minimum of 1 in 8 teaching positions nationally are either vacant or filled by non-certified teachers.

The Teacher Shortage in Urban vs. Rural States

By looking at select states across the country, we gain a snapshot into how the teacher shortage compares between urban and rural areas. 

Urban States:

• California
  
  • Teacher vacancies: 10,000+
  • Non-certified teachers: 32,252
  • % of teaching positions filled by non-certified teachers: 12.05%
• Nevada
  
  • Teacher vacancies: 2,922
  • Non-certified teachers: 3,730
  • % of teaching positions filled by non-certified teachers: 15.56%
• New Jersey
  
  • Teacher vacancies: 3,000
  • Non-certified teachers: 2,811
  • % of teaching positions filled by non-certified teachers: 2.39%

Rural States:

• Maine
  
  • Teacher vacancies: 400
  • Non-certified teachers: 358
  • % of teaching positions filled by non-certified teachers: 2.36%
• Vermont
  
  • Teacher vacancies: 400
  • Non-certified teachers: 635
  • % of teaching positions filled by non-certified teachers: 8.00%
• Mississippi
  
  • Teacher vacancies: 2,775
  • Non-certified teachers: 2,522
  • % of teaching positions filled by non-certified teachers: 7.47%

The Teacher Shortage in Red vs. Blue States

Red and blue states also show some distinction in their teacher shortage numbers, as their partisan nature creates divisions on factors such as K-12 funding and curriculum.

Red States:

• Texas
  
  • Teacher vacancies: 8,000
  • Non-certified teachers: 84,091
  • % of teaching positions filled by non-certified teachers: 22.52%
• Oklahoma 
  
  • Teacher vacancies: 1,019
  • Non-certified teachers: 9,916
  • % of teaching positions filled by non-certified teachers: 23.54%
• Arkansas
  
  • Teacher vacancies: 400
  • Non-certified teachers: 3,350
  • % of teaching positions filled by non-certified teachers: 8.63%

Blue States:

• California
  
  • Teacher vacancies: 10,000+
  • Non-certified teachers: 32,352
  • % of teaching positions filled by non-certified teachers: 12.05%
• New York 
  
  • Teacher vacancies: 6,400
  • Non-certified teachers: 18,302
  • % of teaching positions filled by non-certified teachers: 8.48%
• Washington
  
  • Teacher vacancies: 776
  • Non-certified teachers: 6,416
  • % of teaching positions filled by non-certified teachers: 10.14%

What subjects experience the biggest shortages?

The Learning Policy Institute reported that every state and the District of Columbia reported teacher shortages in more than one teaching area. The following areas have had shortages since 1990 and remain the most commonly reported shortage areas:

• 45 states reported shortages in Special education
• 41 states reported shortages in Science 
• 40 states reported shortages in Math
• 38 states reported shortages in Language Arts
• 35 states reported shortages in World Languages

What is causing the teacher shortage?

Although the teacher shortage cannot be pinpointed to one main reason, data shows that the main drivers of the shortage can be traced back to the following causes:

• Low salary: Teachers have historically been known for receiving lower pay than other professionals. This low compensation does not reflect the amount of work and dedication that goes into teaching, thus discouraging individuals from becoming teachers.
• Teacher turnover: About two-thirds of teachers are leaving their positions due to wanting to pursue other professions, seeking higher pay, or an overall discontentment with their current teaching position. While less than one-fifth of teachers leave their positions because of retirement, they contribute to the general vacancies and positions filled by unqualified teachers.
• Teacher burnout: Working conditions such as large classes, limited resources, and additional school duties beyond teaching can pile a lot of pressure on teachers and, unfortunately, lead to burnout as they grow tired and feel unsupported.
• Low interest in teaching: According to the Learning Policy Institute, the interest in teaching among high school and college students has reached a record low. Although numbers have generally evened out across the country, certain states still waver in the quantity of enrollment into teacher preparation programs. 

Proximity Learning vs. The Teacher Shortage

Fortunately, Proximity Learning recognizes the state of the teacher shortage and is actively working to provide students with access to the qualified teachers they need. We’re the partner you deserve. Proximity teachers are certified educators ready to teach in their specialized areas and fill the gaps the teacher shortage leaves behind. 

Our synchronous instruction places a Proximity teacher via livestream on the class screen and on every student’s laptop to maximize collective and individual learning. Facilitators in the classroom help conduct administrative tasks and monitor students' behavior to ensure all learning runs smoothly. We know teacher vacancies and absences can put a strain on students’ learning, but Proximity Learning is prepared to avoid hitting pause on education.

Virtual learning changed the scope of education during the pandemic, and while teachers and students had to grow accustomed to this change, Proximity Learning already had it down. Proximity guarantees:

• 100% live interactivity 
• 100% certified teachers
• Equal educational opportunities for all students

We’re more than a video call; we’re your everyday classroom enhanced through educational technology.

News on the teacher shortage may seem endless, but it’s a real problem that Proximity Learning is equipped to handle. We are more than ready to step in and take teachers and students to their highest potential. Built by educators for educators, we know what students need to thrive because even when short-staffed, every kid deserves a quality learning experience. Reach out today to find out how partnering with Proximity Learning works for your district.