Turkey's Education Ministry Unveils Vocational School Overhaul and Teacher Pay Increases

The Ministry of National Education (MEB) announced a restructuring of vocational schools, planning to phase out standalone Information Technology (IT) departments in favor of consolidated "center schools". This shift will relocate IT programmes to a limited number of schools and create a surplus of teachers in the affected fields.

Minister Yusuf Tekin emphasized teachers as the nation's greatest asset and detailed several initiatives: a new Teacher Academy with an entrance exam (AGS), strengthened legal framework for the teaching profession, expanded digital platforms, and safety measures for schools. He also highlighted the ministry's response to recent school incidents.

A projected July salary coefficient adjustment of about 14% will raise extra‑lesson hourly fees for teachers and school administrators, increasing the standard rate from roughly 193 TL to about 220 TL and adjusting payments for specialised duties.

MEB updated the e‑Okul system, instructing school administrations to finalise diploma approvals and school‑first‑place selections for 2025‑2026 graduates, requiring complete entry of grades and vocational training scores before diplomas can be issued.

Finally, the ministry proposed a compulsory one‑week "Parent School" programme for parents of preschool and first‑grade pupils, mirroring the early‑start week for students, to ensure parents receive structured guidance on supporting their children's education.