Tuesday, 25 September 2012
Tigran Sargsyan Suggests 40% Increase In ASPU Teaching Staff Wages
Chaired by Armenian State Pedagogical University Academic Board Chairman, Prime Minster Tigran Sargsyan, the Academic Board held a regular sitting on September 24 to discuss the report of the National Center for Professional Education Quality Enhancement on the results of the pilot institutional accreditation program.
”We want the Pedagogical University, which has been implementing successful reform, to become one of Armenia’s leading universities. Higher education reform is underay in our country and it is obvious that teaching staff should come to the forefront of reform. This means that the Pedagogical University should be able to recruit highly qualified professionals capable of implementing radical changes in our educational system. I am confident that our country’s progress is largely dependent on successful reforms. Should we achieve our goals, qualitative changes will occur in the country thanks to those teachers trained by you,” Tigran Sargsyan said.
Tigran Sargsyan instructed to implement phased reform in a timely manner and review progress from time to time.
According to the Premier, the Pedagogical University has the opportunity to cooperate with international organizations to receive technical support, so it should use its resources to prepare highly qualified graduates.
The meeting looked at the possibility of attracting young teachers, who constitute a minority at this point of time. The Prime Minister noted in particular: “It is clear that high wages are the main incentive for young scientists. Mr. Mirzakhanyan, last year I told you to raise wages by 40 % and you did so. Convinced that this is not sufficient, I am now directing you to consider the possibility of another 40% rise by this yearend. This process has to be continued so that young people associate their future with the Pedagogical University. They should understand that strict quality requirements go hand in hand with high wages at the University.”
ASPU Rector Ruben Mirzakhanyan assured that the nearly 900-strong teaching staff of the University will get a 40% increase in wages by this yearend.
Asked about the construction of student dormitories, the Premier said that the issue is comprised in the National Assembly-approved government program and the Ministry of Education and Science is currently working on a project to develop a clear direction.
One of the students wondered how graduates can find a job if employers continue insisting on the availability of previous experience. In this regard, Minister of Education and Science Armen Ashotyan advised that on the Prime Minster’s instruction they are drafting a corresponding legislative package which will make it easier for young people to get employment in the civil service and the private sector.
The Academic Board members thanked Tigran Sargsyan for his focus on development and appreciated the Premier’s personal contribution to speedy university reforms.
