Teachers, Teacher Education, and Professional Development
Teacher Education Specific to Reading
To ensure high quality in education, the state has stipulated specific requirements for teacher training and qualifications.16 As of 2004, teachers must have a higher education degree and relevant qualifications in compliance with the requirements of the Ministry of Education and Science. Nine state higher education institutions provide full time professional teacher training programs. At Grade 4, teachers who provide reading instruction must have one of the following combinations of educational qualifications:
- The second level of professional higher education in pedagogy and a teacher qualification in primary education, or a bachelor’s/master’s degree in pedagogy or education and a teacher qualification in primary education
- The second level of professional higher education and a teacher qualification in basic education, and at least 72 hours of in-service training courses (called Program B) containing primary education specifics and didactics held in a higher education institution
- Higher education in pedagogy and a primary teacher qualification in higher or secondary vocational education
- A master’s or doctoral degree in pedagogy or education based on scientific work related to the primary school curriculum and didactics
- A bachelor’s degree or the second level of professional higher education in the subject and completion of an educational program in pedagogy (including leadership, change, and education management) comprising at least 650 hours within two years, in addition to teaching work17
Requirements for Ongoing Professional Development in Reading for Teachers
Teachers are required to complete 36 hours of in-service training in reading instruction over a three year period.