Global Teachers Report High Job Satisfaction and Growing Support, Says OECD

Prime Highlights:

Nine out of ten teachers across OECD countries are satisfied with their jobs, and almost three-quarters would choose teaching again.
Governments are supporting teachers with mentoring, fast-track programs for mid-career professionals, and professional development opportunities.

Key Facts:

The OECD’s The State of Teachingsurveyed 280,000 teachers and school leaders in 17,000 lower secondary schools across 55 education systems in 2024.
In Viet Nam, over 92% of teachers feel valued by society, while Bulgaria, Denmark, and Saudi Arabia have increased teacher appreciation by at least 19 percentage points since 2018.

Key Background:

A new OECD report shows a positive outlook for teachers worldwide. Nine out of ten teachers across OECD countries are satisfied with their jobs. The Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) of OECD reveals that nearly three-quarters of teachers would say they would like the teaching profession again, and 95 percent of teachers indicate they like their job.

The survey described in the report, The State of Teaching, surveyed approximately 280,000 teachers and school leaders in 17,000 lower secondary schools in 55 education systems in 2024. TALIS provides insights to help policymakers and education leaders improve teaching quality and school environments.

Teachers value the chance to make a meaningful contribution, with 95% saying it is important. In Viet Nam, more than 92% of teachers feel valued by society. Since 2018, Bulgaria, Denmark, and Saudi Arabia have seen big increases, with at least 19% more teachers now feeling appreciated.

The report also notes changes in teacher demographics. The average age of teachers in OECD countries is now 45, and it is 50 or older in Latvia, Lithuania, and Portugal. To keep enough teachers, many countries are recruiting mid-career professionals.

Mentoring for new teachers has also increased. About one in four novice teachers now has an assigned mentor. In countries like Bahrain, Israel, Poland, Shanghai (China), the UAE, and Uzbekistan, over half of new teachers receive mentoring support.

OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann said, “Skilled teachers are the foundation for high-performing education systems. Strengthening training and providing the right tools ensures students are well-prepared for the future.”