According to research conducted by Oswitoria and Fama – Custom Research Agency, the number of teachers in Ukraine over the past six years decreased by 16.6%, and in villages – by 22.8%. This is disproportionately more than the decrease in the total population of Ukraine over the same period (2.48%).
Key facts:
- Regional disparity: In 2018-2023, the number of teachers in cities decreased by 10.9%, while in villages – by 22.8%.
- Gender and age distribution: 86% of teachers are women, the average age is 49 years.
- Shortage by specialty: The greatest shortage of teachers is observed in primary education, science and mathematics disciplines.
- Motivation and demotivation: 47% of teachers are satisfied with their profession, but the biggest demotivators are bureaucracy, low salaries and lack of development opportunities.
“As long as the war continues, we must concentrate on the army. Education is currently in second place. This year, a 20% salary increase was announced, but in fact it was raised by 10%. But the other 10% are still on the ground, and from them they can pay extra for various planned activities. Starting next year, we will finalize this mechanism. Raising salaries by large amounts given limited budgets is difficult enough“, Deputy Minister of Education and Science Andriy Stashkiv commented on the situation with salaries.
“As a result of the war and mobilization, the number of male students in pedagogical specialties is increasing. I would like to have another reason for this dynamic, but it is there and we need to talk about it, — noted Deputy Serhiy Koleboshin.
It is noted that according to the research, 87% of teachers are satisfied with their relationships with students, 79% are satisfied with their relationships with the team, and 74% are satisfied with their relationships with the administration. The biggest demotivators are bureaucracy, low pay and lack of opportunities.
