The tendency for teacher salaries to move 125% above the national average does not keep young teachers in the education system. This is according to a national study by the “Education” Trade Union for the “Support” KT. It was conducted through a survey among 4,150 teachers, parents and interested parties, the organization announced.
The purpose of the study is to determine the social status of the teaching profession and the factors that attract or distance teachers from educational institutions.
“81% of the participants in the study answered that the rewards definitely do not compensate for the increasing duties and responsibilities, and the huge burnout. This, in turn, is repulsive for young teachers. The average age of teachers in Bulgaria has not changed appreciably in the last 5 years”, says Dr. Julian Petrov, chairman of the Podkrepa SO, in his analysis of the data.
As a countermeasure, among several others, the union proposes that teachers’ salaries become 150% above the national average, regulated in the preschool and school education law. At the moment, teachers receive the starting minimum basic salary of BGN 1,853, which became a fact with an increase of 8.4% from January 1.
“The teaching profession is the most demanding, teachers are often subjected to burnout, therefore, according to analysts, the “high” remunerations are not attractive. Only 6.3% think that the rewards are motivating”, explains Petrov.
