OECD Report: Israeli Students Face Crowded Classrooms and Shortage in Teachers

Israel’s education system has recently been highlighted in the OECD’s 2025 “Education at a Glance” report, which paints a challenging picture compared to other member nations. Key concerns include extremely crowded classrooms—Israeli elementary classes average 27 students (33% above the OECD mean), and middle school classes have about 30 students (31% above average). Only Chile and Japan report similar densities, putting significant pressure on both teachers and students.

To address these obstacles, Amal Educational Network has proactively split classes to prevent overcrowding, creating smaller, more supportive learning environments. Amal’s approach further emphasizes personalized learning, positioning teachers as facilitators rather than mere deliverers of knowledge. This method ensures that every student receives attention tailored to their needs, fostering deeper engagement and improved outcomes. The report also underscores teacher attrition, noting that nearly one-fifth of Israeli teachers leave the profession within their first five years on the job.

Amal tackles this challenge not only through educational innovation but by forging community partnerships: parents, local businesses, high-tech companies, army representatives, and donors all play active roles in school life. This collaborative model helps compensate for teacher shortages and cultivates a communal sense of responsibility—championing the idea that “it takes a village to educate a child.” The holistic approach is designed to ensure that Israel’s social fabric and future prosperity benefit from quality education.

Despite the daunting statistics about national workload, class size, and personnel retention, Amal stands out by seeking creative solutions and community engagement, making education a shared mission with rewards that reach far beyond the classroom.