What it is about
According to the annual OECD Education at a Glance 2024 report, Israel ranks among the highest in the OECD for spending on education relative to its GDP. Additionally, Israel boasts the highest percentage of youth in its population compared to other OECD countries.
Why it matters
Israel’s significant investment in education at 6.1% of its GDP highlights the nation’s commitment to its future generations. This dedication is further underscored by the fact that young people aged 0-24 make up a remarkable 43.1% of Israel’s population, ensuring a vibrant and progressive society.
Key Details
Monetary Commitment
In 2021, Israel dedicated 6.1% of its GDP to education, encompassing public pre-schools through universities. This is in contrast to the OECD average of 4.9%. Only a few countries, such as Iceland, Norway, and the UK, invested at similarly high levels.
Youth Population
With 43.1% of its population aged 0-24, way above the OECD average of 29.7%, Israel champions youth-centric policies, shaping a dynamic and fertile environment for growth and innovation.
Teacher Salaries and Class Sizes
Teacher salaries in Israel saw increases of 9-10% from 2022 to 2023, surpassing the OECD average rise of 4-7%. Overall, salaries ranged from $51,556 to $54,525, with school principals earning between $89,000 to $93,000 yearly. Despite these rewarding salaries, class sizes still average slightly larger than the OECD norm, with 28 for K-12 and 19 children per staff member in early education programs compared to the OECD’s 23 and 12, respectively.
Enrollment and Education Duration
Nearly all Israeli children aged 3-5 (98%) are enrolled in preschool, and over half (56.5%) of children under three benefit from early daycare programs—figures that are among the highest in the OECD. The school year in Israel includes 179 days for elementary and 173 days for middle and high school students, slightly shorter than OECD averages.
Gender Disparities in Education
Young women in Israel, aged 25-34, are notably more likely to have post-secondary education (56%) compared to their male counterparts (36%). However, wage inequality persists, with women earning 69% of their male peers’ wages on average, lower than the OECD gender pay gap average of 83%.
The Bigger Picture
The data reaffirm Israel’s commitment to nurturing its youth and emphasize the impactful financial measures taken to secure educational growth. Despite prevailing challenges such as larger class sizes and wage disparities, Israel continues to pave the way for a robust, youth-driven future.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.