Mikheil Batiashvili: "The unprecedented number of new teachers means that, as a result of the reform, teaching is becoming a prestigious and attractive profession"
Mikheil Batiashvili, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, hosted teachers who started working in schools in the profession of teaching for the first time this year. Mikheil Batiashvili wished them success in their pedagogical activities and once again emphasized the role of the teacher in raising the future generation.
A key issue of the comprehensive education reform is the improvement of teachers' working conditions, the appreciation and recognition of the teaching profession, and the creation of multifaceted opportunities for teachers' professional development and growth. Within the framework of the reform, the Ministry is making every effort to support both new teachers and existing practical teachers in achieving further development and upgrading their status.
Within the framework of the comprehensive education reform and with the aim of increasing the quality of teaching in schools, as a result of the changes implemented by the Ministry of Education in the direction of general education, 1,890 teachers gained the right to start working as teachers this year, according to October data. Out of these, 1,400 were employed in vacant positions in public schools, while 490 were employed within the education system (private school, other position).
It is significant that in the summer, out of nearly 30,000 applicants registered for the teacher subject and professional competencies confirmation exam, 10,000 aspiring teachers were new applicants, which is an unprecedented occurrence. It is also noteworthy that 30% of the applicants overcame the established highest threshold of 10 credits.
"This clearly demonstrates that as a result of the education reform, teaching is becoming a prestigious and attractive profession. As for the vacant positions announced in schools, nearly 4,500 vacancies were announced by 1,470 public schools. A total of 17,400 applicants registered on Teacherjobs.ge, for approximately 51,350 hours," stated the Minister.
As of today, across Georgia, more than 100 vacancies are announced in public and private schools. Biology (11), History (10), Music (10), Physics (10), Mathematics (16), etc., are in the lead.
The goal of the reform is to establish an educational environment in schools that will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
