Understanding and Addressing Teacher Shortages in Austria: Emergence, Research and Policy Reactions

Teacher shortages have become a global phenomenon, affecting educational systems across many countries. However, the strategies adopted to address it differ considerably. This study gives a first, detailed account of the reasons and effects of teacher shortages in Austria. For this purpose, a number of documents were analysed: 120 newspaper reports (to mirror the public debate), 43 parliamentary questions and ministerial responses (to mirror the policy debate), and relevant national statistics (to mirror the current situation and remedial measures by quantitative indicators). This allows a first comprehensive synthesis of public debate, policy developments, and research—comparable to country reports for other countries but currently missing for Austria. The findings of these multiple sources reveal that, following a period in the early 2000s with sufficient applicants for teaching positions, Austria gradually experienced an emerging teacher shortage. Initial responses were ad hoc, relying on measures such as increased overtime and the employment of underqualified teaching staff. More comprehensive strategies were introduced only in 2022, including a public image campaign for the teaching profession, reforms in teacher education, and new pathways for career changers. The study concludes by discussing implications for the teaching profession, school practice, and the teacher education system.