Teachers are respected and have great authority: what is the secret of the Estonian education system, which is one of the best in the world

In Estonia, teachers have great authority in society, which has helped create a strong and sustainable education system. That is why, if countries want to reach the same level, they should focus on teacher training, their level of competence, and independent decision-making.

This was emphasized by Estonian Minister of Education Kristina Kallas in an interview with Espresso. According to her, the autonomy of teachers, the level of their professional skills, and the high value of education in society help create a strong system.

"Teachers are very respected, they have a very strong authority in society. And I think that's important. Because if you want to have a very strong and sustainable education system, your teachers are the key here. And in every nation, any gold that you can rely on, your gold, is your teachers. And you have to focus on teacher training, their level of competence, teacher autonomy in decision-making, in the pedagogical system," the official says.

She notes that in 1992-1993, the country fully decentralized its education system and reorganized teacher training and curricula. Before that period, teachers in Estonian Soviet schools taught the official curriculum, if anyone was watching. However, an unofficial curriculum was also developed, according to which children were taught secretly. In other words, there was a dual system of education.

The integration of Russian schools into the Estonian system has now been completed. It lasted about 30 years and was difficult.

Kallas assures us that Estonia is not a religious nation, but it is quite common to hear that education is the religion of this country. In addition, children here understand that going to school is hard work, and they have to make an effort and put all their energy into their studies. At the same time, teachers and parents do the same.

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