Revising approaches to teacher training and raising prestige of the teaching profession in VET

In 2017, ESF project 'Effective Management of Vocational Education Institutions and Improvement of Staff Competence' implemented practical support measures: continuous training and support rendered to teachers and administrative staff to improve their professional competence (including regular training courses and relevant skills' development), national and international mobilities, peer learning, company visits).

In 2017, the government prepared a plan to reform the structure and curricula of the teacher training system. According to the plan, teacher education programmes, composed of competence-based modules in accordance with the teacher occupational standards and the learning-outcomes approach, need to be created at all levels of higher education.

At EQF level 6, two options for obtaining a teacher qualification are to be developed:

1. an integrated professional bachelor's study programme for upper secondary education graduates;
2. a study programme for obtaining a professional teaching qualification after obtaining a bachelor degree in another field of study, which will be more specifically targeted at those aiming to become a vocational education teacher.

The plan was elaborated by a working group established by the education ministry, with participation of the Latvian Student Union, the Higher Education Council, the Foundation Possible Mission and sectoral experts. Implementation of the plan started at six higher education institutions.

In 2018, the government introduced a gradual increase in teachers' salaries until 2022. Regulations regarding teacher salaries were also amended in December, levelling salaries of heads of vocational schools with the salaries of heads of colleges. The reform was an important step towards making teacher remuneration more transparent and fairer, reducing salary differences that penalised teachers in smaller schools.

The teachers' gradual salary-increase continued. Minimal teacher-pay increased to EUR 750 per month compared to EUR 710 in 2018/19.

A new teacher education programme was developed by the education ministry in cooperation with the University of Latvia, the University of Liepaja, Daugavpils University and the Mission Possible Foundation. It is based on a careful selection of applicants, as well as simultaneous studies and actual work at school, at the same time receiving support from a mentor and practice manager. The new programme complements the transition to a competence-based approach in schools, also addressing the issue of the prestige and renewal of the teaching profession.

The experience, methodology and examples of good practice tested and applied by Mission Possible Foundation are used, involving people with a teaching aspiration and awareness of the importance of the learner-centred approach in education. Such a programme will allow for a gradual change in the teacher' education and training and provide a support mechanism throughout the system.

ESF project 'Effective Management of Vocational Education Institutions and Improvement of Staff Competence' involved more than 8 900 participants in its activities.

The minimal teacher salary was raised from EUR 790 to EUR 830 per month in 2020/21.

In January 2020, the government introduced a new teacher training programme, which envisages the entry of 100 new teachers into Latvian schools as of September 2020. Applicants already having higher education can apply for the programme and acquire pedagogical competence.

ESF project 'The effective management of vocational education institutions and the improvement of personnel competence' organised 69 in-company traineeships for vocational school teachers and trainers of which 48 were offered in Latvia (455 teachers and trainers participated) and 21 in other EU countries (198 teachers and trainers participated) which is a considerable amount in the national context.

In addition, four multiplier events were organised for 149 participants in different regions of Latvia to introduce VET teachers, WBL tutors, company representatives with individual approach/learning plans in WBL and their practical application.

School leaders and administration took part in courses and webinars promoting their stress management, public speech and emotional intelligence skills. Several courses and webinars were provided for digital competence improvement: including use of digital tools for distance learning and use of specific programmes.

Open Education Resources (OER) in the LV, LT, FI and EN languages were developed. The OERs aim at supporting the use of individual approaches by VET and workplace.

In 2021, the gradual teacher salary increase continued.

254 new teachers entered the Latvian education system: 156 (62%) graduates from 4-year bachelor study programmes and 98 (38%) from work-based 2-year study programmes. Work-based 2-year study programmes comprise 1-year of theoretical studies and 1-year work at school with the help of a mentor.

ESF project 'The effective management of vocational education institutions and the improvement of personnel competence' offered 13 in-company traineeships for vocational school teachers and trainers in Latvia (119 teachers and trainers participated).

Based on the results of a survey of VET teachers and school leaders, the new courses for digital competence of VET teachers and school administration were designed. Courses aimed to empower VET staff responsible for creating an effective learning environment, both face-to-face and online. 1 550 VET teachers and 220 school administration members took part in different courses: organising a high-quality online learning process, active learning and involvement methods for online teaching, interactive teaching materials and their use in the learning process, creating presentations for online lessons, using video tools and creating video materials when organising distance learning process, etiquette for virtual meetings. 15 heads of vocational education schools participated in the course Effective management: visual planning, organised for the administration of VET schools.

By the end of 2021, the project had 11 650 participants, of which 1 920 were school leaders and administration members.

In 2022, the gradual teacher salary increase continued.

In cooperation with stakeholders and social partners, the education ministry developed the action plan for filling teacher vacancies (2022-25).

39 new teachers entered in the system with the right to perform pedagogical activities and 116 teachers obtained additional qualifications for teaching another subject.

Latvia accepted the proposal to participate in Cedefop's European VET Teachers Survey (EVTS).

The amendments project of Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No 569 'Regulations on the education and professional qualifications required of teachers and the procedure for the development of teachers' professional competence' was prepared and submitted to the government for approval.

Based on the signed framework agreement for the second period of the Swiss-Latvian cooperation programme to selected Member States of the EU to reduce economic and social disparities within the EU, the Ministry of Education and Science programme emphasised providing professional development for teachers, introducing teacher training programmes.