Israeli Teachers Rank 16th Among 19 Developed Nations in Skills Test

Israeli teachers have scored among the lowest in a major international assessment of adult skills, placing 16th out of 19 developed countries in the PIAAC (Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies) test. According to research by Israel’s Shoresh Institute for Socioeconomic Research, data from 2022-2023 shows that the proportion of academically qualified teachers in Israel lags significantly behind comparable nations.

The findings are particularly concerning in science and technology education, where Israel faces fierce competition between its thriving high-tech sector and its education system. The gap in science and technology qualifications among teachers is notably pronounced, suggesting that many educators lack advanced subject-matter expertise in these critical fields.

This weak performance among Israeli educators raises questions about the quality of instruction students receive, particularly in STEM subjects that are increasingly vital for the modern economy. The relatively low qualification levels among teachers could impact Israel’s ability to maintain its technological edge and compete internationally in innovation.

The comparison with Chile, another developing economy, makes the results particularly striking for a nation known for its high-tech prowess. Education specialists have long warned that without addressing teacher quality and professional development, Israel risks undermining its competitive advantages in science and technology sectors.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.