Education remains one of the strongest drivers of national growth.

No country can achieve lasting development without investing in education. Yet, teacher shortages have become a global crisis.

According to the Global Report on Teachers, the world needs about 44 million new teachers by 2030 to achieve universal primary and secondary education.

The shortage is particularly severe in sub-Saharan Africa, where 15 million additional teachers are required.

Wealthier countries also face mass resignations and teacher burnout, worsening the gap.

As a result, several countries are opening their doors to qualified foreign teachers to fill the void and strengthen their education systems.

Here are five countries urgently recruiting foreign teachers in 2025:

1. United States

Teacher shortages continue to hit the United States hard. Reports estimate between 42,000 and over 100,000 unfilled teaching positions nationwide.

Many U.S. schools are now hiring foreign educators with competitive pay, relocation packages, and career development opportunities.

Shortages cut across all subjects, especially in STEM, English, and special education.

2. South Korea

South Korea’s demand for English teachers remains high. The country aims to boost English proficiency to help citizens compete globally.

Foreign teachers with a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate are highly sought after.

South Korea offers attractive benefits, including free housing, low taxes, and stable pay.

3. United Kingdom

The UK continues to battle a shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in secondary schools. Physics, mathematics, and computer science are the most affected subjects.

To address this, the UK government is actively recruiting skilled teachers from abroad.

Benefits include relocation grants, structured pay scales, and quick career progression.

4. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE’s education sector is expanding fast, but it faces a growing teacher shortage. Schools are looking for qualified teachers in English, science, and technology.

Foreign teachers enjoy tax-free salaries, visa support, free accommodation, and full relocation assistance. A bachelor’s degree and TEFL certification are required.

5. Germany

Germany is also struggling to find enough qualified teachers, especially in English and STEM fields.

To attract foreign educators, the government offers visa sponsorship, competitive salaries, and professional development opportunities.

The country is investing heavily in modern classrooms and teacher training programs to sustain long-term reforms.

Globally, the demand for passionate, qualified educators has never been higher. For teachers seeking international exposure, these five countries offer strong career prospects, generous compensation, and the chance to make a global impact.