NCES data reveals 21% of U.S. teaching positions remain unfilled for 2024-25 school year

Despite slight improvement, U.S. public schools continue to struggle with teacher shortages ahead of the 2024-25 academic year. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows that while 79% of teaching positions were filled by the start of the school year, 21% remain unfilled, with special education and ESL positions hardest to staff. Additionally, fewer schools are offering wraparound services, highlighting ongoing challenges as pandemic relief funds are exhausted.