Bulgaria Threatened by Teachers' Shortage

The number of teachers in Bulgaria is going down while there average age is constantly increasing. File photo

The number of Bulgarian teachers is showing a trend of going down while their average age is 50.

Representatives of the Bulgarian Teachers Labor Union have voiced alarm that there is already a shortage of teachers of physics, biology, and chemistry.

They further discount reports that the average teacher monthly salary is about BGN 650, claiming it is significantly lower.

The National Statistics Institute, NSI, data backs their statements about the decreasing number of teachers in the last 10 years, along with the increase of their average age.

The syndicalists further note that male teachers in Bulgaria are practically non-existent over the low wages and demand their increase.

The Education Ministry, however, say they have no reasons for alarm over the number of teachers in the country on grounds the number of students is also going down, adding the new School Education Act provides mechanisms for attracting young teachers.

"The Education Ministry supports an increase of the salaries, but we should take into account the fact that education is intertwined with all other sectors„" Milena Damyanova, Deputy Education Minister, is quoted saying.

The Ministry further blames the universities for the exodus of young people and men from the teaching profession over their failure to change the curriculum in several decades.

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