Details
- Publication date
- 31 May 2019
- Author
- European Expert Network on Economics of Education (EENEE)
- Geographical scope
- European Union
- Level of education focus
- School education
- Thematic areas covered
- Educational effectiveness and efficiency
- Investment in education, economic impact of education
- Teachers and trainers
Description
This report reviews the economic literature on investing in the teaching profession, highlighting the crucial role teachers play in student achievement.
Research shows that while teacher quality significantly affects learning outcomes, traditional indicators like degrees and experience often fail to predict performance. Effective professional development, especially early in a teacher’s career, can improve student outcomes, though evidence is mixed and context-dependent. Digitalization and technological shifts are pushing teachers to adapt, requiring new training strategies that integrate ICT effectively.
Country-specific studies reveal varying impacts of teacher compensation, working conditions, and incentive schemes, with higher pay sometimes linked to improved student performance. Emerging initiatives aim to support migrant students and promote teacher mobility, though robust evaluation is often lacking.
The report concludes that tailored investment in teachers is essential for improving education quality, reducing inequality, and meeting future learning demands.
Author
Martina Viarengo
Cite as
Martina Viarengo, (2019). 'Investing for improving the teaching profession', EENEE Ad hoc Report 2, 2019
