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Best Countries to be a Teacher

Best Countries to be a Teacher

9 of 10

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ThinkStockPhotos

The U.S. is notorious for its treatment of teachers, as evidenced by low wages, poor benefits and the number of teachers’ union strikes that keep students out of school for weeks on end. It’s refreshing to look at other countries’ education systems that do a better job of rewarding those who take on the task of molding young minds. Across the globe, governments have created programs to ensure teachers are prepared to take on the immense work that goes with the job, and offer more incentives to draw qualified and talented candidates. If you’re pursuing a teaching degree, it might not be a bad idea to throw in a Japanese class or two.

*Note: Denmark was originally on this list, but they were in the middle of a lock-out in April, and it didn’t seem quite right to include them. But they usually are a lot cooler than that.

Luxembourg
Luxembourg
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Luxembourg

Teachers in Luxembourg rake in the highest salaries in the world – approximately $70,000 annually on average for a teacher after 15 years. They also enjoy a swagged-out benefits package, including paid professional development and a sizable pension plan that they actually receive. The country prides itself in little government interference with the way schools are run, so the habit of shutting down “failed” schools after one year wouldn’t go over so well (and the likes of New York City Mayor Bloomberg would not be very popular).

Helsinki, Finland ThinkStockPhotos
Helsinki, Finland
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Finland

Finland has received impressive scores when it comes to international testing, proof that the respect they place on teaching is not in vain. Each teacher must hold a master’s degree or higher, and they are rewarded with complete control over their classrooms – a national curriculum exists but it is loose enough to allow teachers to put their own influence on it. They are given the freedom to choose the texts and lessons to teach — and homework and standardized testing is rather taboo. Although the salaries are comparable to those in the U.S., they offer better benefits, including mandatory government-subsidized professional development.

Yokohama, Japan (really, how does anybody work in these places?) ThinkStockPhotos
Yokohama, Japan (really, how does anybody work in these places?)
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Japan

Teachers in Japan receive above-average pay and benefits, and are the recipients of well-deserved respect. But what sets Japan’s school system apart from the rest is the emphasis on collaboration – new teachers are set up with mentors during their initial years, in addition to programming that offers a regulated introduction to the profession. This continues beyond the training period, as teachers often share ideas for lesson plans and best practices, and work towards cumulative goals. The approach allows instructors to offer insight on others’ situations, and provides a more holistic experience.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany ThinkStockPhotos
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
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Germany

Germany offers a more state-centric approach to education than some others, with the federal government playing a limited role. Each state determines its own educational policies, including the basis for curriculum, but teachers country-wide are held in high esteem by the population and receive some of the highest salaries in the world. They are also subject to extensive training, completing initial studies at a university but then finishing off with a two-year program in selected training schools for practical experience. The specifics of the training vary from state to state, but they are all held to extremely high standards.

London, England ThinkStockPhotos
London, England
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England

England sees the benefits of teachers working together. English teachers are given forums to discuss techniques and strategies and share best practices. This is only after a teacher has earned a first degree and a postgraduate certificate of education, or a bachelor of education with qualified teacher status. These require an average four years of studies. Teachers are given priority to take on leadership positions in education policy discussions and developments, as the government sees the integral value of having those with on-the-ground experience at the table. The pay ranks among the best in the world, as do the benefits.

Sydney, Australia ThinkStockPhotos
Sydney, Australia
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Australia

There has been a proposal on the table in Australia to increase teacher salaries to six figures to attract more of the best and brightest to the field. Even without that, Australian teachers have been some of the highest paid in the profession. Government programs provide opportunities for improvement and growth such as the Quality Teacher Program that offers continued professional development and educational conferences. Those who work in remote areas such as the mining districts in the Outback may receive laptops, airfare and further compensation for personal allowances.

Seoul, South Korea ThinkStockPhotos
Seoul, South Korea
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South Korea

It’s pretty impressive to have 97 percent of all teenagers finish high school – especially when you take into account the fact that it’s not even compulsory in South Korea. This is a testament to South Korea’s commitment in ensuring all its teaching professionals receive  extensive schooling and a mandatory 90 hours of courses every three years. Advance certificates offer opportunities for raises and promotions, and teaching is a relatively stable job. Government respect for teaching has ensured the profession remains untouched when it comes to spending cuts. As a result, teaching is an incredibly popular profession for young South Koreans and there are often more applicants than jobs available for high school positions.

Singapore ThinkStockPhotos
Singapore
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Singapore

The land of no gum chewing has some redeeming qualities, namely in the phenomenal way it treats its teachers. Singapore offers three tracks for prospective teachers to pursue: teaching, leadership, or specialist. Once chosen, they complete years of training and hours of mandatory annual development, and attend frequent conferences to collaborate and share best practices. They even have a teacher’s network that boasts its own publication series and newbie-master mentorship program. The best perk? Government bonuses to those who head back to grad school for a teaching degree. Bye bye, student loans!

Lucerne, Switzerland ThinkStockPhotos
Lucerne, Switzerland
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Switzerland

In addition to chocolate, watches and bank accounts, Switzerland is well known for its impressive education system that pays teachers handsomely and delivers results. From the get-go, first-year teachers must meet in reflective groups to discuss problems and solutions alongside experienced educators. And much like Finland, the Swiss government places control of the classrooms in the hands of the teachers, allowing them to refine their curriculum with little federal oversight. It’s no surprise that teachers in Switzerland also attend professional development throughout their careers – apparently it’s a thing. And it’s a thing that works.