"What are we, second-class teachers?": The talent program stirring up the Education Ministry

Veteran teachers are furious over the 'talent' program by the Finance and Education Ministries, which would allow hiring outside professionals at higher salaries, up to 19,000 shekels, compared to about 14,000 for the average teacher. They fear creating two classes in the teachers' room and inequality. A Finance official dismisses the claims, calling the program limited, but principals say they haven't received implementation guidelines yet.

The new-old 'talent' program, promoted by the Finance Ministry and the Education Ministry, is stirring anger among veteran teachers. Teachers fear that the attempt to attract outside professionals with improved salary conditions will create two classes in the teachers' room: those who chose teaching, underwent training, and gained experience, alongside new workers who will enter via a special track with higher pay. One teacher was quoted: 'The average teacher earns about 14,000 shekels. A new teacher under the program will earn 19,000 shekels, so what are we, second-class?' A math teacher is considering resigning and returning as a 'talent.' Teachers emphasize that the anger is not directed at the professionals coming from outside, but at the state. They argue that teaching is not just professional knowledge, and even an expert needs to learn how to manage a classroom. In contrast, a senior Finance official dismisses the claims: 'I don't see discrimination here,' and stresses that this is a limited program within the existing budget. However, there is ambiguity in the field: who will be defined as a 'talent,' which subjects will be included, and what authority principals will have, as they haven't received guidelines yet.