There are a number of jokes related to the low salaries in Bulgaria and teachers in this country are some of the most affected by the low incomes. It is enough to mention that the average age of teachers in Bulgaria is the highest in Europe - about 50-55 years. Young teachers are rarity and just 3% are under 30 years of age. They are repelled by the lack of prestige and miserable payment. Low salaries make the profession unattractive not only for the young but also for men. This has led to some serious feminization. 81 percent of teachers in Bulgaria are women. A few days ago, in an attempt to partially solve the problem, the Ministry of Education, employers' organizations and trade unions in the education system signed a collective agreement. It envisages that in September salaries of teachers will rise by 3 to 6%. This way a young teacher will receive a starting salary of not less than 265 euro a month. Experienced teachers will receive not less than 277 euro. The new collective agreement aims to restore the trust in Bulgarian teachers and show society that the teacher is the most important factor in the education of every child," Minister Aneliya Klisarova said. What do teachers think about the changes? Gergana Nedeva has been a primary school teacher for 16 years. Here is what she said:

"I believe there must be good financial incentives. We all know that the prosperity of a society depends on well-educated young people, as well as healthcare. Unfortunately, in Bulgaria these two spheres are not sufficiently financed. Salaries are low. I think that a starting salary of 270 euro a month could attract some young people, but given that they are much more open to the world and have more opportunities to find a well-paid job, interest towards becoming a teacher is not high. The introduction of delegated budgets brought smaller schools with fewer children to their knees, while the right given to principals to define salaries has led to strong polarization of wages. In some schools salaries are about € 250 a month, while in other they reach 400 euro. I think that showing respect for the teacher’s profession depends not only on wages but on the attitude of the society as a whole. Of course, good payment could make the teaching profession more attractive."

We asked Gergana about her motivation to be a teacher.

"What motivates me is knowing that as an elementary school teacher I give a start in a child’s life, I teach them how to acquire knowledge. Everyone remembers their first teacher for life. Being a teacher is a mission for me and not a just a way to earn my living.”

Silvia Petrova is among the few young primary school teachers in 119th school in Sofia. She says she enjoys working with children. The visible results of her work and the comfortable environment are among the advantages for her. But what about the monthly salary of 265 euro?

"I think it's very difficult for a student who has just graduated to live with such a salary, especially if one has to pay rent and bills. There is no money for any entertainment or buying something new. Without a second job or help from parents it is extremely difficult."

Her colleague Irina Philipova says the wage rise could attract younger teachers but will not increase the prestige of the profession. Seeing love in children's eyes is what motivates her to work as a teacher for the past 7 years.

"The money is not enough and I have great difficulties. It is almost impossible for a person to live with this salary alone. I have been looking for alternatives but it is difficult to combine the teacher’s profession with other jobs. Teaching requires time and our working day does not end with the end of classes. We need to prepare for the next day in order for classes to be interesting to children. Having a second job leads to less efficiency. That is why I count on financial help from relatives."

English: Alexander Markov