The process of the “Great Return” to the liberated territories of Azerbaijan is being implemented gradually and rapidly. Within the framework of this large-scale project, realized under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, thousands of our compatriots are returning to their native homes.
Modern infrastructure is being created in Karabakh and East Zangezur, new settlements are being established, and social and economic revitalization is being ensured. Concurrently, new schools are being built in the regions, educational institutions are commencing operations, and the relocation of teachers and students to the region is being organized.
At such a stage, the issue of increasing the salaries of teachers working in the liberated territories also comes to the fore. This step is considered essential both for strengthening human resources potential and for encouraging the influx of teachers to these regions.
Regarding the topic, Elnara Akimova, a member of the Science and Education Committee of the Milli Majlis, stated in her declaration to Modern.az that today Karabakh and East Zangezur are already on the path of revival. According to her, schools, kindergartens, new cities, and villages are being established in our liberated lands.
“Every construction, every new establishment demonstrates the will of the state and the determination of the people. But there is a question: what is the main force that will bring life to these lands? Of course, it is the teacher. Because a teacher there does not only mean instruction, but also the bearer of new life, national spirit, and the idea of freedom.”
The deputy emphasized that increasing teachers' salaries in the liberated regions may not only be a social gesture but also a strategic decision:
“A high salary means that experienced educators and qualified young teachers will show greater interest in working in those regions. They know that going to Karabakh is not only a professional duty but also a mission highly valued by the state. In such a case, both the teacher shortage would be eliminated, and children would receive a high-level education.”
According to the deputy, motivation is everything. In his opinion, where there is no motivation, both knowledge and development remain incomplete:
“A high salary not only provides social security to teachers but also fosters a stronger commitment to lessons, the school environment, and students. If motivated teachers teach in the new schools established in Karabakh, then the quality of the educational process will also improve. This will ensure that future generations are educated, patriotic, and raised in a national spirit.”
E. Akimova also noted that increasing a teacher's salary also enhances the prestige of the profession:
“Especially in the liberated regions, this step will have a symbolic character: the state supports its teachers, valuing their dedicated work. This will both encourage young specialists to show interest in teaching and turn working in those lands into a source of pride. The teacher will not only teach but also become a living symbol of revival.”
Our interviewee also added that today, roads, houses, and schools are being built in Karabakh. But the most important construction is the construction of the human spirit:
“Only a teacher can accomplish that. For this reason, increasing teachers' salaries in the liberated regions is not merely an economic measure but also an investment in our future. Because better provision means a stronger teacher, and a stronger teacher means a stronger future,” E. Akimova stated.
However, Elchin Mirzabayli, a member of the Science and Education Committee of the Milli Majlis, noted that the restoration of life in Azerbaijan's liberated territories is not limited solely to infrastructure development. According to him, the main goal is to ensure socio-economic revival and transform the regions into attractive living spaces. The education sector plays a leading role in this process.
“Because education not only shapes human capital but also determines the long-term development of the state. From this perspective, the issue of increasing teachers' salaries holds significant importance.
Living and working in the liberated regions is currently accompanied by certain difficulties. These include the phased restoration of infrastructure, the incomplete development of social services, additional expenses, and certain household-related problems. In such circumstances, there is a need for additional incentives to attract experienced and qualified educators to the region. An increase in salary can strengthen the influx of personnel to the region, while the long-term employment of experienced teachers in the region will create stability in the education system. This, in turn, will reduce staff turnover and positively impact the quality of instruction.”
He also noted that there is a direct link between teacher motivation and the quality of education:
“A high salary can reduce teachers' concerns and increase their responsibilities and creative potential; thus, a salary increase will yield not only economic but also pedagogical results.
The prestige of the teaching profession has been one of the priority directions in state policy for many years. Increasing the salaries of teachers working in the liberated territories can further strengthen the social status of this profession.”
Elchin Mirzabayli also drew attention to the fact that the implementation of a differential salary system in this direction, i.e., adding supplements to the salaries of teachers working in the liberated regions, would be appropriate:
“Furthermore, the implementation of social packages, including housing, transport, medical services, and utility concessions, is also of significant importance. In this regard, supporting the professional development of educators, providing them with modern educational technologies, and ensuring their access to international experience programs are also crucial.”
The deputy noted that increasing teachers' salaries in the liberated lands is not merely an economic measure but a strategic necessity:
“This step can strengthen the influx of personnel, improve the quality of education, and contribute to reinforcing the social status of the teaching profession. In my opinion, every support given to teachers can be considered one of the most valuable investments in the future of Karabakh and Azerbaijan as a whole,” E. Mirzabayli concluded.
