site.btaThere Is A Shortage of Math, Chemistry, Biology Teachers in Bulgaria, Says President of Education Trade Union

There is a significant shortage of math, chemistry and biology teachers in the Bulgarian education system, said Yanka Takeva, President of the Bulgarian Education Trade Union, on Monday in Varna. 

She noted that there is a constant demand for teachers in these subjects, but there are very few people willing to study them in the universities either. For this reason, about 2,500 pensioners will return to the education system again in 2024, Takeva said, clarifying that this can only be a temporary solution and that the problem will be even bigger soon, as it is expected that in two years there will not be enough math teachers.

As a possible solution, Takeva suggested that students wishing to study mathematics be exempted from tuition fees in university. She also noted that the Education Ministry should develop a strategy, as the state does not have a policy at the moment. However, Takeva also pointed out that the average age of teachers in Bulgaria is 52 years currently, which has been reduced from 55 years in 2018.

"Every year between 2,800 and 3,200 young teachers enter the classroom, but there must be sustainability in order to retain them", said Takeva, adding that salaries must be increased so that teachers do not start working in the private sector. She pointed out that the union will demand a minimum 15% increase in wages for 2025, as salaries for male teachers are low and the profession should not be feminized.

On the use of Artificial Intelligence in the classroom, Takeva said that it is already being used through various programmes and serves to enrich the educational methods in the classroom, adding that AI is also very suitable for children with special needs. "Artificial intelligence is something that the Bulgarian teacher can no longer do without, but we have developed rules for its use so that it does not lead to a decrease in children's communication and speech skills", she noted.

Takeva participated in the fourth International Education Forum, which is taking place until September 3 at the Varna University of Economics and is being organized by the Varna Municipality.