Algeria’s Education Sector Receives a Game-Changing Boost: Increased Salaries and Structural Enhancements for Education Professionals

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | December 24th, 2024 — In a decisive move, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune ended years of anticipation and deliberation surrounding the new fundamental law for education sector employees. During Sunday’s Council of Ministers meeting, the president approved the statute, which aims to preserve long-term stability and elevate Algeria’s national education system. This milestone follows over three years of extensive dialogue and negotiation between social partners and the Ministry of Education.

The newly approved law, which will be implemented upon publication in the Official Gazette, guarantees all prior gains for education sector employees. According to a statement by the Ministry of Education, the revised executive decree introduces unprecedented measures, including voluntary early retirement at the age of 55 for men and 50 for women, provided a five-year reduction is applied. It also enhances the classification of basic ranks and incorporates transitional provisions enabling employees to advance into higher ranks, resulting in salary increases ranging from 3,000 DZD to 12,000 DZD.

The Ministry emphasized that the new statute retains its inclusive nature, covering all categories, ranks, and roles without exclusion. This comprehensive approach ensures equity and acknowledges the diverse contributions of all education sector employees.

Moreover, the reform delineates responsibilities across all ranks with precision, eliminating the possibility of overlapping duties in the future. This clarity extends to newly created roles, such as those assigned to permanent positions in primary education. Additionally, pedagogical and teaching roles will now be allocated based on specialization, merit, and competitiveness. This involves matching academic qualifications with the required fields, signaling a significant step toward professionalizing and advancing the teaching profession.

New Reforms Enhance Teacher Classifications and Opportunities

As part of Algeria’s newly approved executive decree, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has greenlit pivotal changes to the foundational classifications of teaching ranks, encompassing Primary School Teacher, Middle School Teacher, and Secondary School Teacher. These adjustments include transitional provisions allowing educators to transition into higher ranks, resulting in salary increases ranging from 3,000 DZD to 12,000 DZD. If tied to the indicative scale, these increments are projected to be even more substantial, marking a significant leap in remuneration.

The reform also introduces a distinguished new rank, “Distinguished Teacher,” as part of the professional career trajectory for educators. Additionally, it acknowledges the value of academic qualifications for career advancement, even when such qualifications were obtained prior to employment. This measure establishes clear pathways for promotion and integration, ensuring a structured and fair system for career progression.

Workload Reductions and Paid Leave for Academic Development

In a bid to enhance the professional competence of educators, the reforms include a reduction in weekly working hours to enable educators to pursue advanced qualifications, such as a master’s degree in their field of expertise. Furthermore, educators will be eligible for senior administrative positions within central and decentralized administrative structures and public institutions aligned with their roles. A paid “professional mobility leave” has also been introduced, allowing educators to deepen their expertise in specialized fields while maintaining financial stability.

Weekly working hours for teachers across all educational levels will be reduced, with additional reductions for those in Grade 10 and above, particularly educators approaching retirement age.

Flexible Mobility and Retirement Provisions

Another notable feature of the reform is the reduction in the minimum tenure required for participation in the annual mobility program, now lowered from three years to two academic years. Moreover, the reforms include a groundbreaking option for early voluntary retirement, permitting educators to retire between three to five years before the official retirement age. This means men can retire at 55 and women at 50 with a five-year reduction, or at 57 and 52 respectively with a three-year reduction.

New Classifications and Career Pathways for School Staff

The implementation of Algeria’s newly approved foundational law brings transformative changes for school staff, particularly those integrated into the education sector. Employees within school nutrition services stand to benefit from a structured professional career path. Similarly, workers previously under the professional and social integration programs, who have now transitioned to permanent positions in primary education, will experience upgraded classifications and a dedicated career trajectory. This aims to clearly delineate their roles, thereby avoiding any overlap of responsibilities with primary school teachers and headmasters.

Legal Protections Against Workplace Assaults

In a bold move to ensure the safety of education sector employees, the new executive decree introduces specific legal provisions to protect staff, including school principals and teachers, from verbal and physical assaults. These measures, applicable within and outside the school premises, aim to deter such unacceptable behaviors and uphold the dignity of education professionals.

A Collaborative Vision for Education Reform

Minister of National Education Mohamed Seghir Saâdaoui  has called upon the education community, including social partners, to embrace a spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility to advance the sector in alignment with the aspirations outlined by the President. Highlighting the inclusive process behind the new law, the Minister noted that the law is the result of continuous effort, with input from accredited unions and feedback gathered during recent consultative meetings with various stakeholders. These sessions provided a platform for those who had not participated in the special committee meetings to share their perspectives and expectations.

Commitment to Implementation and Gratitude to the President

The Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the rights and responsibilities outlined in the new law are effectively implemented upon its official release, in accordance with its prescribed mechanisms. In expressing its gratitude, the Ministry extended its thanks to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for his historic decision to improve the material and professional conditions of education sector employees. The President’s consistent oversight and engagement—from initiating the review of the foundational law to its approval by the Council of Ministers—underscores his dedication to the well-being and advancement of Algeria’s educational workforce.

This landmark reform, accompanied by a comprehensive compensation system, is set to significantly enhance the professional and social standing of educators and staff, ensuring long-term benefits for the sector and the nation.

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