Early Childhood Education Teacher Shortages: The Share of Qualified Teachers Varies Regionally

Aino Kalmbach

No 169, ETLA Reports from The Research Institute of the Finnish Economy

Abstract: Abstract The share of qualified early childhood education teachers has declined even as the total number of teachers has increased. This reflects the fact that the number of qualified teachers has not grown at the same pace as the teacher workforce overall. Demand has been driven by rising participation rates. There are clear regional differences: in many areas the decline in the share of qualified teachers has been modest and the number of qualified teachers has continued to increase, but in some regions, particularly Uusimaa, the number of qualified teachers has fallen and shortages have worsened. This report examines regional differences in the demand and supply of teachers and assesses how early childhood teachers’ wages relative to regional average earnings are associated with the extent of teacher shortages. The analysis covers the years 2010–2022, during which teaching qualifications could be obtained through both university and university of applied sciences degrees. Qualification requirements have since changed, and the expansion of study places is increasing the number of graduates. From 2030 onwards the need for tertiary-educated staff will grow as a result of the new qualification requirements.

Keywords: Early childhood education; Participation rate; Regional labor markets; Teacher shortage; Public sector labor markets (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J13 J45 R23 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 18 pages
Date: 2025-12-01
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