Lithuania faces 6,000 teacher shortage by 2031 without action

Lithuania could face a significant teacher deficit, with projections indicating a shortfall of around 6,000 educators by 2031 if preventative measures are not implemented. The Ministry of Education, Science, and Sport acknowledges the looming crisis and is preparing a plan to address it.

The current situation highlights a critical retention issue within the teaching profession. Each year, approximately 2,000 individuals enroll in education studies programs. However, a substantial number do not continue in the field, with only about 900 graduates remaining in teaching roles in schools, according to Vice Minister of Education, Science, and Sport Jonas Petkevičius.

“

if we do not take action, by 2031 there will be a shortage of about 6,000 teachers.

This trend suggests a need for systemic changes to make the teaching profession more attractive and sustainable for new graduates. The ministry's forthcoming plan aims to tackle this by focusing on strategies to both draw new talent into education and ensure that existing teachers remain in their positions.

“

out of 2,000 who annually start education studies programs, about 900 graduates remain working in schools.