Education has become indispensable in today’s world– it is no longer a luxury reserved for a privileged few, but a necessity for all. Naturally, teachers are at the very heart of this system, forming a non-negotiable part of society.
However, the education sector in the Middle East–like many others–is buckling under pressure. Immigration, population growth, and the lingering effects of the post-pandemic economic crisis have severely strained the region’s educational infrastructure. One of the most pressing outcomes? A growing shortage of teachers.
The STEM Surge and Shift in Educational Priorities
One major factor contributing to the shortage of teachers in the Middle East is the shifting focus within education itself. There’s a growing emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, particularly Computer Science. In addition to this, English as a specialisation is also becoming increasingly prominent in today’s world.
This shift is not arbitrary–it’s rooted in the rapid rise of AI and digital technologies that are transforming the job market. As the influence of artificial intelligence grows, so does the urgency to equip students with the skills required for the evolving job landscape. Consequently, more students are pursuing degrees and careers in tech and science, while fewer are choosing the field of education.
AI is not just a technological trend–it’s a revolution that is redefining almost every profession. In many industries, machines are replacing human labour at an unprecedented pace. This reality prompts students to seek job security in fields that align with technological advancement. And unfortunately, teaching–especially at school level–doesn’t rank high on that list.
Another factor contributing to this is the wage disparity between fields. Careers in STEM are often better paid and offer greater growth potential, while teaching roles typically come with limited upward mobility and comparatively lower salaries. This economic gap naturally discourages students from entering the teaching profession.
Interestingly, however, some fields remain relatively untouched by AI–particularly those requiring a human touch, such as content writing, journalism, and other creative or communication-based roles often pursued through degrees in English. These areas offer a safer haven from automation and, in many cases, better compensation than teaching. Unsurprisingly, some students are drawn to these fields as well, further reducing the number who consider education as a viable career.
Rising Student Numbers and the Population Boom
Adding to this imbalance is the sheer increase in student populations. With steady population growth across the Middle East, more and more children are entering the school system each year. Naturally, the demand for qualified teachers rises in tandem. But unfortunately, the supply does not.
As previously discussed, inflation, wage stagnation, and the allure of more lucrative careers are acting as roadblocks to meeting this increasing demand. This leaves educational institutions in a tight spot, struggling to balance the growing number of students with a shrinking pool of teachers.
And population growth isn’t the only cause. Immigration is another key factor contributing to rising student numbers. As global economic instability continues to affect countries–particularly in parts of Asia–many families are relocating to the Middle East in search of better opportunities.
These families often arrive with children, which increases enrolment in schools, particularly international institutions. This creates a parallel demand for teachers who are not only qualified but also fluent in English and familiar with international curricula. Yet again, the supply of such educators falls short of the demand.
To accommodate this influx, more international schools are opening throughout the Middle East. While this might seem like a positive development, it only magnifies the teacher shortage. Qualified educators are spread thin between public schools, private institutions, and now, an expanding number of international schools that often offer higher pay–further pulling talent away from traditional classrooms.
Education as a Necessity, Not a Privilege
Unlike a few decades ago, when education was a privilege afforded only to the elite, it has now become a basic right. Regardless of gender, background, or income level, education is seen as the key to social mobility and economic advancement. This change in societal mindset has encouraged families across the board to enrol their children in school.
The upside of this progress is that more people are getting educated than ever before. The downside? The systems in place to support this educational boom–especially the availability of trained teachers–are failing to keep up.
It’s a strange and sobering paradox: just as we have begun to fully recognize the value of education, we are losing the very people responsible for delivering it.
A Recurring Problem With No Easy Fix
Salary anomalies remain at the core of this crisis–but the issue is more deeply rooted and systemic. As discussed, the advancements in technology, shifts in student priorities, and the economic instability in the post-pandemic world have all contributed to making teaching a far less attractive profession.
This is not a new problem either. The shortage of educators is not a one-time occurrence but a recurring issue that keeps resurfacing every few years and yet remains unresolved.
Conclusion: Who Pays the Price?
It is clear that the shortage of teachers in the Middle East is not the result of a single factor, but rather a convergence of economic, social, and technological shifts. The inadequacy of teacher salaries, the rapid evolution of AI, the shift in career preferences, immigration, and population growth–all contribute to a crisis that affects millions.
And while educators are the ones bearing the brunt of this situation, the group most directly affected is the students. Their learning experiences, academic growth, and future potential are all at risk.
However, not all hope is lost. Platforms like SmartEDU are emerging as vital stopgaps, offering online tutoring to students who lack access to qualified teachers in traditional school settings. These platforms can’t fully replace the classroom experience, but they help bridge the gap and provide some semblance of continuity in learning.
Ultimately, if we are to safeguard the future of education in the Middle East–and around the world–urgent steps must be taken to address the root causes of the teacher shortage. Because without teachers, there is no education. And without education, there is no future.
