RNZ reports the Vanuatu Teaching Service Commission says it needs more than 300 extra teachers in schools but it doesn't have the money to pay for them.
It said it needs five and a half million US dollars to pay for more teachers.
Commission chairman Derek Alexander said he hoped the Government would be able to find the money when a supplementary budget goes before Parliament next month.
Mr Alexander said the lack of teachers was predominantly in primary schools in remote areas.
He said he's worried the quality of teaching is suffering
"Because we are not addressing quality in education, because if you want quality you have to have trained teachers from that level from that level up until the secondary level that's when kids progress further to university," Mr Alexander said.
"But if kids get disturbed along the way it's a problem."
Derek Alexander said school leavers were helping to fill the gaps by assisting in schools.
Photo: Ministry of Education and training / Government of Vanuatu