Educators and advocates like Thomas are worried that reduced public school funding and a lack of resources has taken its toll already, causing teacher shortages both in Ohio and nationwide. State data is a little more complicated, as the full picture of what the teacher shortage looks like needs work, according to educators and advocates. According to state data, Ohio’s average starting salary for a teacher is $43,800, versus the U.S. average of $44,530. Opponents of the voucher system say its taking away from public school coffers and population. In the 2025-2026 school year, 856 students were nominated for the awards, 206 were awarded scholarships, and 168 accepted, according to state data.