The Teacher Shortage Crisis Map

An interactive look at teacher shortages, salaries, and certification pathways across all 50 states – helping you find where you’re needed most.

Data updated: 2025-26 School Year

56,000+
Vacant Positions Nationwide
350,000+
Underqualified Teachers
$74,200
National Avg Salary
45
States Short on Special Ed

Critical Shortage

Moderate Shortage

Low Shortage

– Click any state for details

Alaska Hawaii

Select a state on the map to explore teacher shortage data, salary information, and certification details.

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Methodology

How We Classify Shortage Severity

States are classified as Critical, Moderate, or Low based on a combination of factors: the number of distinct shortage subject areas each state reported to the U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher Shortage Areas program for the 2025-26 school year, vacancy data from the Learning Policy Institute, student-teacher ratios, and state-reported staffing data. Because states vary in how they report shortage areas to the DOE (some report by county and subject while others report broadly), we do not rely on DOE designation counts alone. Our severity ratings incorporate multiple data points to provide a balanced assessment.

Top Shortage Subjects

Each state’s top shortage subjects are drawn directly from the U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher Shortage Areas report for 2025-26. These represent the subject areas each state formally reported as shortage areas to the federal government.

Salary Data

Average and starting salary figures come from the NEA Rankings and Estimates Report (April 2025), based on state department of education reporting for the 2023-24 school year. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (US average = 100).

Certification and Reciprocity

Certification speed ratings are assessed based on state alternative certification program timelines as documented in state education department guidelines. Reciprocity ratings reflect how easily an out-of-state teaching license can be transferred and are based on our own state-by-state reciprocity analysis, which reviews NASDTEC Interstate Agreement participation, testing requirements, and temporary certificate availability for each state.

Incentives

Incentive data (loan forgiveness, signing bonuses, housing assistance) is compiled from state education department websites and federal program eligibility. Loan forgiveness availability reflects eligibility for federal programs like TEACH Grants. Signing bonus and housing assistance data reflects state-level and major district-level programs where documented, though individual districts may offer additional incentives not captured here.

Limitations

Teacher shortage data is inherently complex. States differ in how they report shortage areas, track vacancies, and define “qualified” teachers. Certification speed and reciprocity can vary by endorsement area within a state. Salary averages do not reflect district-level variation, which can be significant. We recommend using this tool as a starting point for research and consulting individual state education department websites for the most current and detailed information.

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