LPI Research Shows Special Education Teacher Shortages Persist

The Learning Policy Institute (LPI) has released a fact sheet titled Teacher Shortages by Subjects Across States. LPI monitors teacher shortages by analyzing the latest state-level data on both unfilled teaching positions and teachers assigned to roles for which they are not fully certified. Most states allow the hiring of uncertified teachers only when no fully certified candidates are available, making these figures key indicators of shortage severity. As of June 2025, data from 48 states and the District of Columbia show that approximately 365,967 teachers were not fully certified for their assignments. Additionally, 31 states and D.C. reported 45,582 teacher vacancies. Combined, this suggests that at least 411,549 teaching roles nationwide—roughly one in eight—were either vacant or held by uncertified educators. This marks an increase of about 4,600 such positions compared to 2024. Of those identified, 45 states report shortages in special education, substantially more than any other subject area. 

To view LPI resource information and tools regarding teacher shortages, click here.