Czech teachers are more satisfied with their working conditions and salaries compared to 2018, yet the profession’s attractiveness continues to decline, especially among younger educators. According to the international TALIS 2024 survey, only one-fifth of teachers believe their work is valued by society, while 14 percent of teachers not approaching retirement plan to leave the profession within five years.
“The level of teacher satisfaction with conditions and salary has increased compared to 2018,” stated Chief School Inspector Tomáš Zatloukal during the presentation of the survey results. The increase has been so significant that the Czech Republic now ranks among the top three EU countries in teacher satisfaction.
The numbers are impressive: 84 percent of teachers are now satisfied with their working conditions (compared to three-fifths in 2018), and 47 percent are content with their salaries (up from 28 percent). However, the survey also revealed concerning trends about the potential shortage of qualified teachers in the future.
Among teachers under 30, only 46 percent chose teaching as their first career choice—a seven percentage point drop from seven years ago. Additionally, 19 percent of young Czech teachers don’t expect to remain in the profession for more than five years, exceeding the EU average of 15 percent.
The perception of prestige remains problematic, with just 22 percent of Czech teachers feeling valued by society (though this is still higher than the EU average of 15 percent). Only a quarter feel appreciated by the media, and a mere 15 percent by politicians.
Education experts point to the lack of a career advancement system as a significant deterrent for young people considering teaching. “Everyone understands that the current situation is unsatisfactory, including how teachers are compensated through salary tables based purely on years worked,” noted outgoing Education Minister Mikuláš Bek. While the survey clearly indicates the need for a career system that would better motivate teachers, Bek acknowledged that consensus on a specific solution remains distant.