2025 – 2027

Overview of the project

The ambition of this project is to tackle teacher shortages in Europe by increasing the attractiveness of the teaching profession with a special emphasis on the reformation of the teacher career structure. These two factors have been identified as the root causes for teacher dissatisfaction and low motivation in the job, which carry with them other negative consequences such as teacher absenteeism and poor performance, high turnover of teachers, and declining interest in joining the profession, which ultimately affect student learning outcomes and the overall quality of education.

While motivation is dependent on factors and perceptions that are intrinsic to the teachers, job satisfaction is linked to other external factors; among them, limited career progression opportunities, stagnant salary scales, and bureaucratic barriers for career advancement.

Through this project, education employers will explore the best ways they can create a more supportive and rewarding environment for teachers by contributing to initiatives such as:

• Creating clearer and more flexible career progression structures and pathways that offer opportunities for both vertical and lateral career advancement,
• Implementing performance-based incentives and recognition programmes to reward outstanding teachers and encourage ongoing professional growth,
• Investing in professional development to offer relevant and accessible opportunities for teachers to acquire new skills, specialise in areas of interest, and prepare for leadership roles,
• Streamlining administrative processes and reducing bureaucratic barriers to career advancement to make it easier for teachers to progress in their careers,
• Ensuring equality and inclusiveness in access to career advancement opportunities,
• Establishing partnerships with local, regional and national teaching training centres to ensure a steady supply of well-trained teachers.