New school year to begin with teacher bonuses

Approximately 660,000 primary and secondary school pupils will start the 2019/2020 school year on Monday, September 2, it was reported on Friday. The academic institutions opening their gates both to newcomers and returning students will include 1,910 primary schools, 441 vocational schools, 236 grammar schools and 17 conservatories. The start of the new school year will also see an amendment to an act, concerning education and specialised teaching staff, which will become effective on September 1. According to the Education Ministry, the amended law is intended to present teaching as a more "attractive" career path, for example by introducing a financial bonus for "professional development". The supplement is meant to be provided after teachers have gained further education, specialised and innovative additional training or have completed a language test. The awarded extra money can represent up to 12 percent of a teacher's standard salary during a seven-year period.