The «Innovations in Education Odessa» forum brought together leaders from educational institutions at all levels, along with representatives from government agencies.

The key topics discussed included pressing issues that require collective efforts to enhance the quality of educational services.

Due to the war, the number of students in Odessa schools has decreased, yet the burden on educators remains high, while salaries are low. Currently, there are 474 vacancies in educational institutions (down from over 600). The shortage of teachers in natural sciences is particularly acute.

Additional responsibilities, such as organizing the work of "Points of Resilience" and shelters, which are unpaid, significantly impact the prestige of the teaching profession.

The introduction of a municipal allowance of 3000 UAH, nearly half of a teacher's salary, has helped attract young professionals, but the demand for such specialists remains high.

The average age of a teacher in Odessa is 46 years.
Additionally, the quality of training for future teachers has become a challenge due to rapidly changing curriculum requirements.

During the forum, Odessa Mayor Gennady Trukhanov tasked the head of the Department of Education and Science, Olena Buinevych, to work with financiers to develop a system of municipal allowances for educational staff.

Furthermore, the mayor called for establishing cooperation with the Institute of Physics at the Odessa National University to leverage their resources during natural science lessons for high school students.

«Our priorities are clear today: army, education, medicine,» concluded Mayor Gennady Trukhanov.