Hungarian Teachers to Receive 10% Pay Raise in January

Published: December 04 2023

Hungarian teachers are set to receive a 10% pay raise starting from January. This increase aims to enhance the social recognition of teachers and improve their pay as part of a differentiated, performance-based salary system. The new teacher's career model, which takes into account performance, has been designed to ensure that Hungarian children are educationally competitive in the European Union.

The Hungarian government plans to implement a 10% pay raise for teachers starting in January. This increase is part of a performance-based salary system aimed at boosting the social recognition of teachers and promoting educational competitiveness. While not all teachers will see their salaries increase, those working in regions striving to close the gap with richer areas may receive a 20% higher salary as an incentive to work in more deprived areas.

To reduce administrative burdens, self-evaluation has been eliminated for teachers. Principals now have the authority to extend winter or spring breaks to consider students' fatigue levels. Additionally, schools will remain open until 6pm, providing an extra hour for students. Efforts to digitize the education system have also been made, with laptops and smart textbooks being distributed to teachers and students. Furthermore, a digital log of grades and other relevant information will be accessible to parents online.

Significant investments have been made to develop school digital networks, with Wi-Fi and smart classrooms being established in 180 schools. In the 2022-2023 academic year, 10 billion forints were spent on these digital infrastructure developments. The focus on digitalization aims to enhance the educational experience and provide students and teachers with necessary resources.

To ensure coordination and harmony among different stages of education, a government education committee will be established under the leadership of the prime minister. This committee will work towards creating a seamless transition between kindergarten, elementary school, secondary school, and further education.

The Hungarian government has also provided school materials for approximately 5,200 Ukrainian children attending school in Hungary. This support aims to ensure that these students have the necessary resources to succeed in their education.

By implementing these measures, the Hungarian government seeks to improve the education system, uplift teachers' financial status, and enhance educational opportunities for Hungarian children.

Will Hungarian teachers receive a pay raise in January? Yes, Hungarian teachers will receive a 10% pay raise starting in January.

Why is the pay raise for teachers being implemented? The aim is to make Hungarian children educationally competitive in the European Union. Increasing the social recognition of teachers and boosting their pay is seen as essential for achieving this goal.

What factors will determine the increase in a teacher's salary? The new teacher's career model is designed to be performance-based. Not every teacher's salary will increase, but those who work in regions that are striving to close the gap with richer areas may receive a 20% higher salary.

What changes are being made to the education system in Hungary? To reduce administrative burdens, self-evaluation has been eliminated. Principals now have the authority to extend winter or spring break based on the fatigue level of students. Schools will also stay open for an extra hour, until 6pm. The education system is being digitalized, with laptops and smart textbooks being distributed to teachers and students. A digital log of grades and other student information will be accessible to parents online.

How much was spent on developing school digital networks in Hungary? In the 2022-2023 year, 10 billion forints were spent on the development of school digital networks. This included establishing Wi-Fi and smart classrooms in 180 schools.

Will there be an examination of the national core curriculum in Hungary? Yes, the Minister of Interior, Sándor Pintér, stated that the criticisms of the national core curriculum will be examined. This will be treated as a central issue.

What will be done to ensure harmony between different levels of education in Hungary? A government education committee will be established under the leadership of the prime minister to ensure harmony between kindergarten, elementary school, secondary school, and further education.

Are there any provisions for foreign children attending school in Hungary? 5,200 Ukrainian children attending school in Hungary are also provided with school materials.

What is the financial state of schools in Hungary? According to the Minister of Interior, schools in Hungary have maintained their financial stability and none of them are indebted.