Lithuanian education sector funding and workforce challenges

The Lithuanian government approved a budget project for the upcoming year that includes a 7.56 percent salary increase for teachers and education sector employees. This increase consists of a 4.5 percent rise in official salary coefficients, a 2.5 percent increase in base salary size, and a 0.43 percent adjustment for complexity. While Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė noted that education salaries are growing faster than other public sector wages, teachers' unions have argued the increase is insufficient, calling for a 10 percent rise.

Broader analysis of education spending reveals that Lithuania allocates 4.34% of its GDP to education. The country is currently facing a critical shortage of educators, with over 41% of teachers aged 55 or older, which represents the highest proportion in the European Union.

Following the first 100 working days of the current government, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport outlined further initiatives. The proposed salary increase, aimed at teachers, lecturers, scientific researchers, and state or municipal sports coaches, is intended to take effect on January 1, 2027.

In addition to wage adjustments, the ministry is implementing curriculum reforms, such as increasing Lithuanian language lessons in minority schools from five to seven weekly hours for grades 1–4. General education programs for subjects including mathematics, history, biology, physics, geography, and informatics have also been updated to reduce complexity. To support educators, the ‘Teachers’ Line’ was launched in October to provide free psychological and legal assistance.