Now should teachers teaching 1st grade be of highest or first category?

Question

Messages are circulating on social networks stating that "From the current academic year, teachers teaching 1st grade must be of the highest or first category." How justified is this?

Response

Such provisions are not established in current regulatory documents. According to the current qualification requirements for teachers, it is sufficient for a primary school teacher to have at least a secondary specialized pedagogical education in the field of primary education or at least a bachelor's degree in higher education and complete a professional retraining course with the right to teach in the field of primary education.

This issue spread on social networks several years ago and caused widespread discussion. After that, when we contacted the responsible employees of the Ministry of Preschool and School Education in order to clarify the issue, the officials also said that there are no plans to introduce such a procedure.

In general, the introduction of such a requirement can lead to a number of problems. Therefore, we strongly advise against believing such reports.