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15 minutes previously announced that the Ombudsman for Equal Opportunities Agneta Skardžiuvienė addressed the then Minister of Education, Science and Sports with a proposal to change the condition that the award be given only to teachers under 35 years of age. According to A. Skardžiuvienė, the age restriction of candidates is illegal.
Under the Equal Opportunities Act, age discrimination can be justified when restrictions are imposed by law, are justified by a legitimate objective and are pursued by appropriate and necessary means.
We must do everything possible so that in a few years we have who works in schools, so that there is something to replace retired teachers of retirement age, – says J.Šiugždinienė.
“I do not see discrimination or underestimation of older teachers, I just see an obvious desire to encourage educators who need support. We must do everything possible to have, within a few years, who works in schools, to be the replacement for retired teachers of retirement age. Of course, we want to attract teachers to the most talented and motivated young people. Attract and retain, – says the Minister of Education, Science and Sports Jurgita Šiugždinienė. – So we have to invite young people to schools, and the M. Lukšienė award is a great way to show that they are welcome there. If there was an opportunity, I would agree to evaluate many more teachers each year, because hundreds of them deserve respect and evaluation.
“The award of the Lithuanian educational reform pioneer, Meilė Lukšienė qualified doctor of science, who valued and encouraged the young generation of teachers, is a similar opportunity for the Teacher of the Year award for young teachers. When awarded, the last five years of employment are evaluated
Teachers of the year are almost always educators with many years of experience. On average, five such awards are given each year, and it is difficult for young teachers to apply for them. The M.Lukšienė award is awarded to only one teacher per year, ”says the report.
The Love Lukšienė Prize was established by the Ministry of Education and Science in 2010. It is aimed at educators for the implementation and dissemination of ideas of democracy, community, citizenship, nationality, humanism and creativity. People under the age of 35 are eligible for the bonus. The amount of the bonus is 120 basic social benefits. At the moment, it would be € 4,680.
Teachers of retirement age account for about 7 percent. of all teachers. The number of teachers in the country is decreasing, but the proportion of teachers of retirement age is increasing every year. The average age of teachers is increasing. In 2018, the average age of teachers in the country was nearly 50. It is higher than the average age of teachers (44 years) in OECD countries. Also, about 57 percent. Lithuanian teachers are 50 years of age or older (OECD average: 34%), according to the MESM report.
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