There are about 6,000 educators working in various institutions in Khabarovsk, ranging from kindergartens and schools to clubs and sections. This year, the number of such specialists has increased by 136 people, as young people who graduated from colleges and universities last year have started working.
The education department is very pleased with this number, especially since it is twice the figure from 2024. However, retaining staff in their positions is challenging, especially since they still face significant workloads, particularly in schools.
– There is an issue with the shortage of mathematics teachers. They currently have very high workloads because few educators with this specialty graduated from universities in recent years. But this year, we have 12 mathematics teachers and 4 who teach computer science. This is certainly encouraging.
Additionally, more than 30 specialists have joined elementary school classes. This has alleviated the system’s burden, allowing teachers who previously worked double shifts to now work single shifts.
– Furthermore, for the second year in a row, elementary school teachers are undergoing retraining and acquiring new competencies that enable them to teach Russian language and mathematics in grades 5-6. The current number of incoming teachers allows us to train more people. Those who previously worked in grades 5-6 can now teach older children, particularly graduates.
Each year, Khabarovsk signs approximately 100 targeted contracts to ensure young people study at pedagogical colleges, TOSU, and institutes in other cities, such as St. Petersburg, and then return to work here.
– Targeted positions help young people establish themselves in the profession because it imposes certain obligations on them. Our task is to support them. This year, we introduced a new support measure. Starting January 1, young teachers with up to 3 years of experience are eligible for housing rental compensation of 10,000 rubles. Currently, more than 30 people have taken advantage of this.
It was emphasized that living conditions are one of the most important factors for any person.
– Therefore, it is very important for teachers to have their own home space where they can return after work. I believe we will continue to consider this measure and possibly expand the categories eligible for it.
Other support measures for teachers in Khabarovsk are also in effect. These include, for example, 35% bonuses.
– We understand that young people have not yet earned the Far Eastern and regional coefficients. Teachers also have the opportunity for free transportation to their workplaces. We will continue to explore ways to retain our teachers in the profession.
Khabarovsk teachers have complained that they are often treated as service staff. Some parents react negatively to remarks about their children and refuse to acknowledge problems, let alone solve them, shifting responsibility onto teachers. However, there is now a mechanism to protect teachers’ honor, which will address such conflicts. A psychological support group is also available for such cases.