Some humanities teachers had previously expressed dissatisfaction, pointing out that their salaries are significantly lower than those of colleagues working in the STEM fields. Teachers noted that the difference in coefficients creates inequality, even though the volume and requirements of their work remain the same.
According to teachers working with humanities subjects, they demand equal coefficients for all disciplines, as the current coefficients for humanities are significantly lower than those for exact sciences, which leads to uneven salaries. Additionally, the reduction in the number of hours for some subjects has also affected incomes. For example, within the framework of 12-year education, the lesson for the Kyrgyz language was reduced, while chemistry was introduced for the 7th grades. Kyrgyz language teachers noted that chemistry could simply be added as a new subject without reducing Kyrgyz language lessons.
According to data from the district education department, starting in April, salary increases for teachers of general education schools and preschool workers will be implemented according to the following coefficients:
For teachers of grades 1–4:
- General secondary education: 2.45;
- Secondary vocational education: 3.50;
- Higher education (bachelor's): 3.95;
- Higher education (master's): 4.35.
For teachers of grades 5–11 (humanities subjects):
- Secondary education: 2.10;
- Secondary vocational education: 2.90;
- Higher education (bachelor's): 3.30;
- Higher education (master's): 3.65;
For teachers of grades 5–11 (STEM subjects):
- Secondary education: 2.45;
- Secondary vocational education: 3.50;
- Higher education (bachelor's): 3.95;
- Higher education (master's): 4.35;
It is also clarified that when calculating salaries, work experience, rate, number of teaching hours, and additional coefficients for work in mountainous areas are taken into account.
Jaidarbek Sydykov, head of the district education department, explained that the main difference between teachers is only related to the coefficients. He noted that "no one has divided teachers or subjects into 'ranks.' Rights are the same for everyone, and it is only a matter of coefficients that were established a long time ago when there was a shortage of exact sciences teachers."
According to the new project, starting in April, it is expected that the salaries of all teachers and preschool workers will increase by 100%. All teachers will receive a raise, and all details were clarified at the meeting with school directors. In addition, each teacher will receive a presidential compensation of 15,000 soms depending on their rate. "I hope that ultimately salaries will increase significantly," concluded J. Sydykov.
