Teachers, Teacher Education, and Professional Development
Teacher education differs for primary and upper secondary school teachers. Primary school teacher education takes four years to complete, and upper secondary school teacher education takes 4½ to 5½ years to complete. Teacher education programs consist of three parts:19
- Subject studies and subject didactics—Students are educated in areas of knowledge related to subjects and specific school types and levels
- Educational science—Students are educated in areas of knowledge central to the teaching profession and to schools as a social, pedagogical, and didactic environment for students and teachers
- Placement—Students participate in the everyday workings of a school and are trained in planning lectures and teaching, classroom management, and student relations
Professional certification for teachers and preschool teachers was introduced in Sweden in 2011. Teachers now are required to hold professional certification in order to issue student grades. The purpose of this reform was to raise the level of skills among teachers and preschool teachers so as to improve the quality of educational services in Sweden. The Swedish National Agency for Education makes decisions on the certification of teachers and preschool teachers.20
Teacher Education Specific to Mathematics and Science
To become a teacher in mathematics and/or in the science subjects in Grade 4, university study in the specific subject for one semester is required. For teachers with a certificate to teach in three subjects in Grade 8, the requirement is three semesters of university study in one subject, and 1½ semesters in the two others.
Requirements for Ongoing Professional Development
In 2007, a campaign called the Continuing Professional Development Program for Teachers was introduced and is still in practice, at least until 2018. The program aims to raise student achievement levels by improving teacher competence. Teachers are given the opportunity to deepen their competence in subjects in which they already have a degree, as well as broaden their competence in subjects in which they lack education. Upon completion of the program, teachers may apply for new subject accreditation. The National Agency for Education organizes program courses in cooperation with universities, and municipalities can apply for government grants to help cover the cost of reducing teaching hours for teachers who attend these courses.21
A new career reform program for teachers was introduced in 2013, offering a substantial increase in salary for appointed teachers, paid by the government. Teachers who are admitted to the program must have credentials from their principals and well documented experiences.22