Discussions continue regarding the involvement of teachers working in music and art schools in the certification process. Currently, these teachers pass through the attestation stage, but in the coming years, they are also expected to be involved in the certification exam, similar to general education teachers. After the recent changes adopted in the National Assembly, how this process will affect teachers' salaries has become one of the main topics of discussion.
Education expert Elchin Afandi, in a statement to Modern.az regarding the issue, stated that education matters in the field of music are directly subordinate to the Ministry of Culture, and the attestation and certification processes carried out in this area are formed based on the decisions of that institution:
The expert noted that a transition to the certification process is expected after the attestation stage, and increasing teachers' salaries will be one of the main issues at this stage:
"An increase in salary is expected after certification. But the final decision on whether a 30 percent, 35 percent, or lower increase will be applied, as in schools subordinate to the Ministry of Science and Education, will be made by the Ministry of Culture."
According to Elchin Afandi, it would be more appropriate if the salary increase applied to music teachers was determined based on the same principle as general education teachers:
"I believe that the principle applied to teachers working in the Ministry of Science and Education should also be extended to teachers working in the field of music. Making a salary increase with a lower percentage would not be the right approach."
The expert emphasized that the certification exam for music and art teachers will differ from the exams for general education teachers in terms of content:
"Here, theoretical knowledge in the field of music is mainly checked. At the same time, teachers' curriculum knowledge and their level of preparation in accordance with the existing curriculum are evaluated. Unlike general education teachers, here, the checking of theoretical knowledge and skills will be carried out purely in the direction of music education," he said.
