On the Day of the People's Awakeners, the Minister of Education Krasimir Valchev confirmed that there will be an increase in funds for education in the next budget, including for teachers' salaries. In a special interview for "Sabû se" on Nova TV, he also commented on the ongoing shortage of teachers in certain subjects, as well as the measures to limit the use of mobile phones in classrooms.
"Yes, there will be an increase in funds. Additional funds will be provided, including for an increase in salaries," confirmed Valchev, specifying that the specific parameters are still being discussed with the unions and directors. He stressed that the goal remains for teacher salaries to not lag behind the national average and to follow the policy of having them be 125% of it.
The minister also touched on the problem of the shortage of staff in the system. According to him, it is not so much territorial as by subject. "The shortage is by subject, especially in mathematics, physics, chemistry, information technology", he explained. Valchev added that for the first time in 10 years, the admission to the specialty "Pedagogy" has been reduced for preschool and primary school teachers, as there are already enough staff there, as well as for physical education and fine arts teachers. The problem with the shortage of science teachers is a projection of the students' demotivation to study these subjects.
On the topic of limiting mobile phones in class, Minister Valchev stated that such a measure currently exists in many schools, where students leave their devices at the entrance to the classroom. According to him, what is more important is limiting screen time outside of school.