Polish schools are on the verge of an unprecedented staff crisis, which can affect the future of education of thousands of children. Already missing above 5 000 teachers, and vacancyes in educational institutions stay vacant, especially in large cities and in the west of the country. It is not only dry statistic – it is simply a real threat to the quality of teaching and stableness of the system. Young pedagogues quit their jobs in bulk, frequently after just a fewer days, and the teaching community announces nationwide protests if the government does not take decisive action. Will school year 2025/2026 begin in the atmosphere of chaos?
Why do Polish schools lose teachers? Dramatic decline in prestige
A fewer decades ago, the profession of teacher was synonymous with prestige, stableness and social respect. Today, this image has changed dramatically. Teachers, despite the fundamental importance of their work, feel increasing discontent, resulting in mass departures. The main causes are low earnings, immense bureaucratic burden and expanding intellectual pressure. According to data from 2025, average wage in education is about PLN 8 000 gross, however, in the case of beginners, the wage only somewhat exceeds the minimum wage. For many young people who have invested years in education, specified a financial position is simply unacceptable in the face of rising costs of living. This makes university graduates increasingly little frequently consider their careers at school, looking for more profitable and little stressful alternatives on the labour market.
Alarming statistics: Young people flee, older people remain
The Association of Polish Teachership (ZNP) warns that the current crisis besides has a demographic dimension. People under the age of 30 are only 5 percent of teaching staff. This is an alarming indicator that shows how fewer young people have a future with Polish education. Moreover, schools show drastic cases of resignation after a fewer days of employment. A evidence incidental late reported in Warsaw, where the teacher left after only first week of work. The problem is besides exacerbated by the ageing staff – many institutions inactive have people over 70 or even 80 years of age, which raises questions about their efficiency and ability to meet contemporary educational challenges. The current deficiency of more than 5 000 teachers is not just a metropolitan problem, but a real challenge for the full education system, which will become increasingly felt all year.
What's next? Postulates of the ZNP and Government Position
In the face of an expanding crisis, the Association of Polish Teachership puts hard conditions. Traders request salary increases by 10 percentwhich would enter into force as early as September 2025. It is besides crucial to amend the Teacher's Charter, which would permanently link teachers' salaries with average earnings in the economy. This would guarantee the stableness and predictability of wages, making the profession more attractive. Unfortunately, the position of Minister of Education, Barbara Nowacka, is not optimistic. Minister admitted that in the current budget no measures for postulated increases, which sparked a wave of discontent and met fierce criticism from trade unions. This stalemate situation leads to an escalation of tension. If teachers' demands are not met, September 1, 2025 – on the day of the start of the fresh school year – a nationwide demonstration is planned in Warsaw. This may mean that the beginning of the school year for many students and parents will be marked by uncertainty and protests.
The future of Polish education: Who will pay the price?
The deficiency of decisive action and the deepening staff crisis in education is not only a problem for teachers, but above all millions of Polish students. Experts inform that without real changes, the situation in schools will only deteriorate. The deficiency of qualified educators means overcrowded classes, little attention given to the individual needs of pupils and a decrease in the overall quality of teaching. The consequences of this crisis can be felt for many years, affecting the level of education and competence of the next generations that will enter the labour market. In the long term, weaker education can have negative effects on the full Polish economy and society. This is an urgent challenge which requires immediate attention and concrete solutions to supply Polish children with 21st century education.
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Urgent alarm for parents. Over 5,000 teachers are missing! What about the 2025 school year?
