About 600,000 educators work in Kazakhstan's education sector. Today, all their former and current students congratulate them on their professional holiday and pay tribute. After all, each of us received guidance and knowledge from a teacher. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
History of the holiday
Initially, Teacher's Day was celebrated annually on the first Sunday of October. This tradition was introduced in the USSR in 1965. In 2023, the government of Kazakhstan approved a specific date for the holiday. On October 5, World Teachers' Day is celebrated in more than 100 countries around the world. In this regard, Kazakhstan also decided to fix the professional holiday to this date.
Many teachers with 30 years of experience
Currently, about 600,000 educators work in Kazakhstan's education system:
- 01in preschool organizations – more than 104,000 specialists;
- 02in schools – 420,000 teachers;
- 03in technical and vocational education organizations – 42,000 educators.
In schools, more than 53,000 educators have over 30 years of work experience. Another more than 73,000 educators have been working in education for 20 to 30 years. In preschool organizations, more than 5,000 educators, and in technical and vocational education organizations, more than 4,000 educators have over 30 years of experience.
9 teachers received the title of "Yenbek Yeri"
In the history of Kazakhstan, 9 educators have received the highest state award. Among them, Zhakiya Shaizhunusov, Kudys Absametov, Rafika Nurtazina and Marzhan Tasova were awarded the title of "Hero of Socialist Labour", while five received the title of "Kazakhstan's Yenbek Yeri". They are:
- 01academician Ayagul Mirazova;
- 02biology teacher Alina Solovyeva;
- 03mathematics teacher Alma Shukizhanova;
- 04mathematics teacher Gulzhanar Nurpeisova;
- 05Russian language and literature teacher Elmara Traisova.
In addition, Kazakhstan has established the title of "Honored Teacher of Kazakhstan". Today, about 100 specialists have received this honorary title.
The status of educators has been raised
The law "On the Status of a Teacher", adopted in 2019, raised the prestige and status of teachers. Previously, teachers were involved in work not part of their professional duties: conducting elections and campaigning. The law "On the Status of a Teacher" prohibited involving teachers in extra work. Unreasonable inspections were stopped, and they were freed from excessive reporting. According to the law, the labor leave of all educators was extended to 56 days. Additional pay is also provided for classroom management and checking notebooks. In addition, a bonus is paid for pedagogical skills. For a master's degree, they receive an additional payment of 10 MCI.
What is a teacher's salary
In recent years, teachers' salaries have increased annually. Since 2021, teachers' salaries have doubled. A teacher who has prepared winners and prize-winners of international olympiads, competitions and sports events is paid a one-time reward of three official salaries from the school's saved funds. A teacher who has prepared winners and prize-winners of international olympiads in general education subjects is encouraged with a one-time reward from budget funds. Also, according to the law, children of teachers are given priority places in kindergarten.
How the holiday is celebrated
On the eve of Teacher's Day, the winners of the republican competition "Uzdik Pedagog" are awarded in the country. They are paid a reward of 1000 MCI. Those who have received the honorary title "Honored Teacher of Kazakhstan" receive a one-time payment of 1000 times the monthly calculation index. Also, the Ministry of Education has decided to award teachers who have worked in education for 30 or more years with the "Yenbek Ardageri" medal. The Head of State also annually congratulates teachers on their professional holiday. On this day, students express warm wishes to their teachers, give flowers, and festive concerts are organized in schools.
Many professional holidays in October
There are several professional holidays this month. They are:
- 01October 1 – Radio Day;
- 02October 5 – Teacher's Day;
- 03October 6 – Day of Defense Industry Workers;
- 04October 10 – Day of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan;
- 05October 19 – Rescuer Day;
- 06third Sunday of October – Forestry Worker Day;
- 07October 24 – Librarian Day;
- 08last Sunday of October – Day of Social Protection System Workers;
- 09October 29 – Day of Security Organization Workers.
Is an additional day off provided?
By law, no additional day off is provided on a professional holiday. But there is also a public holiday in October. In this regard, an additional day off is provided on Monday. Thus, Kazakhstanis working five days a week will rest for three consecutive days – October 24, 25 and 26.