The work of teachers is hard. They have a lot of stress and low salaries. Recently, there was also a strike. Young teachers say that the state promised them money, but it was not received.
Elise Müür, Liisa Salum, and Roger Anari are young teachers. They say that the state has let them down. They did not receive the promised money, which was very important for them.
The teacher support was established in 2007. Its purpose was to help young teachers. The support was significant – 200,000 kroons. This money would help teachers pay for their first home or buy a car.
Over the years, the support has been modified. Now, other school staff can also receive it, such as speech therapists and psychologists. In 2022, about 150-180 teachers received this support.
Liina Kanter says that the first three years are crucial. If a teacher stays in the job for three years, they will stay for a long time.
Young teachers say that the work is very difficult. In addition to the workload, there are many problems with parents and students. This creates a lot of stress.
Liisa Salum said that she was sick but still had to go to work. She says that this job can kill.
The starting support is important for young teachers. To receive it, one must complete a master's degree and start working at a school. Liisa Salum says that she pursued a master's degree for this support.
However, Liisa Salum did not receive the support. She did not receive it because there was too much time between her bachelor's and master's degrees.
Roger Anari did not receive the support because he had once worked as an assistant teacher. Officials say that assistant teacher work does not qualify.
Elise Müür did not receive the support because she started working too early. School administrators made a mistake when formalizing contracts.
All three teachers find that the rules are confusing and contradictory. They feel deceived. Liisa Salum is even considering quitting her job as a teacher.