Educator Explains Decline in Teaching Profession's Status
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
Dr. Sami Mahajna, Director of a research center at Beit Berl College, explained that the teaching profession's status has declined due to low wages, poor working conditions, and technological changes. He noted that while teachers are irreplaceable, the profession struggles to attract talent, particularly among men, and faces unique challenges within the Arab community in Israel.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Teaching profession's status has declined due to low pay and poor conditions.
- Past generations viewed teaching as competitive with medicine and engineering.
- Technology and AI can change education but not replace teachers.
- An oversupply of teachers exists in the Arab community in Israel.
- Declining male participation reflects the profession's reduced appeal.
The status and attractiveness of the teaching profession have declined significantly in recent decades due to factors including lower wages, changing work conditions, and technological advancements, according to Dr. Sami Mahajna, Director of the Research Center for Culture, Society, and Arabic Language at Beit Berl College. Mahajna stated in a phone interview on Radio al-Shams that while the 2026 World Teacher's Day theme focuses on protecting the profession amidst new challenges, the celebration itself marks 60 years since the adoption of a 1966 ILO and UNESCO recommendation on teacher status. He noted that the profession's diminished standing is linked to several issues, such as salary levels, work environments, administrative relations, class sizes, and limited teacher involvement in educational decision-making. He emphasized that lower pay compared to other professions directly impacts teaching's appeal and its ability to attract highly qualified individuals. Forty to fifty years ago, teaching was a competitive choice alongside medicine, engineering, and law, especially with higher relative salaries.
Mahajna also highlighted the specific situation for Palestinians within Israel, where an oversupply of applicants for teaching positions exists, unlike in many countries facing teacher shortages. He attributes this to the limited job market for Arab academics, making teaching a primary option for university graduates seeking employment rather than a desired career path. He also pointed to the increasing feminization of the profession, suggesting that the declining male participation reflects a broader loss of appeal for the profession among men.
Despite advancements in technology and artificial intelligence, Mahajna stressed that the teacher's role remains indispensable. He believes the profound psychological, educational, and developmental impact of teachers is evident in people's lasting memories of their early educators. While technology and AI can alter the educational process, they cannot replace the essential human connection and the fundamental role of the teacher in the classroom.