The main principles of the reform announced by the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, which I publicly agreed with, have caused a mixed reaction. I consider myself obliged to make several clarifications regarding my decision.

First of all, I would like to note that the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports shared our remarks and principled proposals. As for the confirmation of subject and professional competencies by practicing teachers, I would like to clarify that teaching is a regulated profession and the state has the legitimate right to establish exams. This is also the practice of developed countries. We should also take into account that teacher exams have been held for 9 years, since 2010, and the deadlines for passing the exams have changed twice, which did not come by itself. You probably remember the activities of the SPMTP on this issue and our public statements. Today, we no longer have any arguments to disagree with the demand for teacher exams.

I understand the resentment of some practicing teachers who perceive the examination of qualifications by passing exams as an insult, without taking into account their many years of successful work and results. You will probably agree with me that it would be unthinkable to determine the competence of 33,000 practicing teachers based only on results. This has not happened in any country where reforms have been carried out.

I ask everyone, without emotions, to objectively assess the current reality and prepare for the exams.
I have repeatedly stated that when assessing a teacher’s qualifications based only on theoretical knowledge, the probability that the exam results may exceed the teacher’s real abilities, experience, and results of professional activity is high.

In the process of preparing normative acts, we will categorically put forward proposals to take into account the results of practicing teachers at various stages of the implementation of the “Teacher’s Initiation, Professional Development and Career Advancement Scheme”.

May 15, 2019.