According to the results of the International Teaching and Learning Survey TALIS 2024, reported by Novi list, Croatian teachers are ranked among the most educated in the world, while at the same time among the most dissatisfied with their working conditions and salaries.

Almost all have higher education qualifications and impressive work experience, yet they work more than the European average and at the same time feel a growing burden, stress, and lack of social recognition. The data reveal a worrying trend: one in four plans to leave the profession in the next five years, and among teachers younger than 30 that share is rising sharply.

Although work in schools in Croatia is generally secure, with a large share of permanently employed staff and among the highest shares of women in education, teachers deal daily with challenges such as the increasing number of students with special educational needs, behavioral problems, and at least a symbolic presence of refugees in most schools.

Despite quality education, many do not feel sufficiently prepared for newer pedagogical demands, the use of digital tools, and support for students' socio-emotional development. When it comes to salary, Croatia is at the bottom of the satisfaction ranking among the 53 countries participating in the survey, and the percentage of those who believe that society values their work is also very low.

The study also reveals that almost 14 percent of primary school teachers and 9 percent of secondary school teachers experience a high level of stress, primarily due to responsibility for student success, administration, and maintaining discipline. Although Croatia remains among the countries with a rare occurrence of violence in schools, the number of principals warning about a lack of teaching and non-teaching staff is growing, which further worsens working conditions and pressure on teachers.