Promised wage increases for educators: revealings expected salary adjustments until 2028
In a significant move, the Ukrainian government has announced plans to gradually increase teachers' salaries over the next three years, as outlined in the 2026-2028 Budget Declaration. This decision comes amidst a backdrop of lower average salaries in the education sector compared to other industries, with the average salary in education being 14,593 hryvnias in 2024, while salaries in other sectors exceeded 21,000 hryvnias.
The anticipated effects of these salary increases are promising. By raising teacher salaries, the government hopes to improve teacher morale, attract and retain qualified educators, and potentially enhance educational outcomes. This strategy mirrors the UK's approach, which plans to substantially increase school funding, including for teacher pay, by 2028-29, with the aim of raising funding per pupil to the highest ever level and transforming education systems [1].
However, these salary increases demand substantial budgetary resources. Without increased overall education funding, salary hikes might force cuts elsewhere, such as in infrastructure or educational programs. The UK example shows substantial new investments alongside pay awards [1], but if Ukraine faces tighter budgets, this could pose a challenge.
In addition to salary increases, the Ukrainian government also plans to consolidate the school network, with the number of schools expected to decrease from 12,600 in 2025 to 10,500 by 2028. This reduction is due to demographic changes and the transition to a more consolidated network of institutions.
School closures can disrupt communities, increase travel times for students, and reduce access to local education, potentially negatively impacting student engagement and outcomes. Therefore, managing school closures requires careful planning to ensure that remaining schools can accommodate additional students without overcrowding, and that transportation and other supports are in place. Misinformed or abrupt closures can undermine community trust and exacerbate educational inequalities.
Moreover, both salary increases and school closures must be managed to avoid unintended consequences such as widening disparities between urban and rural areas or between wealthier and poorer regions. A comprehensive approach to reforms is necessary, considering factors such as working conditions, additional payments, and workload.
By 2028, teachers' salaries in Ukraine are expected to reach 20,000 hryvnias, marking the highest level in recent years. However, without a comprehensive approach, salary increases may not yield a sustainable effect. Increasing wages is just one element of a larger reform in the education system.
The planned changes will create new conditions for resource allocation and increase the demand for educational effectiveness. The school network will become more compact by 2028, and the education sector will continue to have the lowest average wages among all industries.
As these changes unfold, it is crucial for local management bodies to respond flexibly to ensure a smooth transition and address any challenges that may arise. The success of these reforms will depend on adequate funding increases, strategic planning, and support for affected communities.
[1] HM Treasury. (2020). Spending Review 2020: Delivering our plan for the United Kingdom. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spending-review-2020-delivering-our-plan-for-the-united-kingdom/spending-review-2020-delivering-our-plan-for-the-united-kingdom--2
- The Ukrainian government's decision to increase teachers' salaries could potentially influence the education-and-self-development sector, as higher salaries might attract more qualified individuals, thereby improving educational outcomes.
- The UK's approach, which includes substantial increases in school funding and teacher pay by 2028-29, serves as a general-news example of a strategy aimed at transforming education systems, a concept that could be relevant to the financial implications of similar changes in Ukraine.
