From August 1st, kindergarten assistant teachers must know Estonian at B2 level.
Currently, there are nearly 200 assistant teachers who do not meet this requirement. They may lose their jobs.
Education Minister Kristina Kallas said that assistant teachers who do not meet the requirement cannot continue working. The B2 level is stated in their employment contracts.
The minister said that if an assistant teacher does not pass the exam by August, it should not disrupt the work of kindergartens. Estonia has enough kindergarten teachers, and more are being trained.
The highest number of assistant teachers who do not meet the requirement is in Maardu (48%). In Ida-Virumaa, 29% of assistant teachers do not meet the requirement.
Kallas said that the state will help teachers with language learning. This is important for children to receive a good education.
The Estonian language proficiency of teachers has improved in recent years. 98% of kindergarten teachers and 97% of school teachers meet the language requirements.
Children's Estonian language skills have also improved. The results of 4th-grade students are better than last year. Speaking and writing, however, remain challenging.
The Ministry of Education helps teachers learn the language. It also monitors how Estonian is taught in schools.