North Carolina's 115 public school districts reported 6,265.1 vacancies as the 2026-27 school year began in the annual vacancy survey conducted by the North Carolina School Superintendents' Association (NCSSA). The total represents a 0.9% increase from 2025, with declines in teacher and student-support vacancies offset by increases in classified, bus driver, and central-office openings.

The survey results provide a complete statewide snapshot as of September 21, with all 115 districts responding to the 2026 survey. Districts reported 2,009.1 K-12 teacher vacancies, including 568.5 exceptional-children positions. Combined teacher vacancies fell 6.8% from 2025.

Key findings include:

• Total reported vacancies increased by 55.6 positions, from 6,209.5 in 2025 to 6,265.1 in 2026.

• K-12 teacher vacancies declined by 145.9 positions, or 6.8%, from 2,155 in 2025 to 2,009.1 in 2026.

• Within the teacher total, K-5 vacancies increased 3.3%, while middle school vacancies decreased 12.2% and high school vacancies decreased 9.6%.

• Exceptional-children teacher vacancies decreased 10.0%, from 632 to 568.5.

• Vacancies for counselors, psychologists, and social workers decreased 26.0%, from 230.5 to 170.5.

• Classified vacancies increased 8.9%, from 2,220 to 2,418.5, and bus driver vacancies increased 4.5%, from 1,223 to 1,278.

• Districts reported 5,459 residency-licensed teachers, a 5.3% increase from 2025 and the highest total reported since NCSSA began tracking this measure in 2022.

"North Carolina school districts have made meaningful progress in reducing teacher vacancies, and that progress reflects the determined work of local leaders and their teams," said Jack Hoke, NCSSA Executive Director. "At the same time, more than 6,200 vacancies, particularly the continued need for classified employees and bus drivers, remind us that staffing challenges remain. Every vacancy affects a school community, and districts need sustained support to recruit, prepare, and retain the people who serve students each day."

The statewide totals reflect very different local conditions. Twelve districts reported no K-12 teacher vacancies, and 21 reported one or fewer. Across all vacancy categories, seven districts reported zero or one vacancy, while 32 districts reported 51 or more. This variability from one district to another underscores the importance of strategies that respond to local labor markets, district size, and community needs.

The overall vacancy total remains 24.8% below the 2024 total of 8,335. The 2026 total is also 44.5% below the 11,295 vacancies reported in 2022, although 98 districts participated that year compared with full participation in each of the past three years.

About the survey

NCSSA conducts the survey annually as the school year begins. Figures are self-reported by district leaders and represent vacancies at a point in time. Bus driver figures should be interpreted with caution because some districts reported overlapping duties, including positions combined with teacher-assistant responsibilities. Residency-license totals may include other alternatively licensed teachers in some districts.

About NCSSA

The North Carolina School Superintendents' Association supports and strengthens educational leadership across the state by providing professional learning, advocacy, collaboration, and service to North Carolina's public school superintendents.