Survey: One-third of residents have considered becoming teachers, but lack support
A public survey conducted by the program "Enefit Mission Possible: Save STEM" in collaboration with the research agency Norstat Latvia reveals a significant trend: 35% of Latvian residents have at some point considered becoming a teacher, but only a small proportion have taken this step. The survey data indicates that the main obstacles are emotional stress, the complexity of working with children, low pay, and a lack of support.
There is no shortage of people in Latvia who have thought about becoming a teacher, but only a few have seriously pursued this idea. The public survey shows that there is interest in the teaching profession, but often a sense of security is lacking to take this step. The main reasons cited are emotional stress (59%), the complexity of working with today's children (57%), and low pay (48%). Bureaucratic difficulties and unclear opportunities for growth are also frequently mentioned.
The study shows that the teaching profession is still considered important and worthy of respect – 43% of Latvian residents consider it prestigious, including 9% who consider it very prestigious and 34% who consider it somewhat prestigious.
When asked what would motivate them to become teachers, the majority of residents (73%) mentioned higher salaries, 49% would like greater public recognition, while 37% highlighted the need for greater support for new teachers and mentoring programs – exactly what Enefit's "Mission Possible: Save STEM" has been offering for more than 15 years.
"Data shows that in the 2024 centralized mathematics exam, 2,812 students failed to achieve even the minimum 15% passing score. This statistic is a stark reminder that many young people stop just before the finish line in their educational marathon. That is why Iespējamā misija is announcing the opening of applications for new participants in the program "Enefit Iespējamā misija: Save STEM," inviting people who want and are able to help these young people," says Terēze Stālmane, head of the "Enefit Iespējamā misija: Save STEM" program.
This unique program offers people without a teaching background the opportunity to become inspiring teachers in STEM subjects—mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, and programming.
"Today's students are tomorrow's engineers, technologists, and energy industry leaders. If they lack support at school, they may not reach their potential. That is why, as an employer, it is important for us to support those who help these young people believe in their abilities," says Mārtiņš Vancāns, Chairman of the Board of Enefit.
Over two years, program participants receive both practical and theoretical training for working in schools – starting with a summer university, where they learn the basics of working with students, to regular training and mentoring throughout the program. The campaign's ambassador, musician and producer Fiņķis, explains the whole process in two minutes:
Applications for the “Enefit Mission Possible: Save STEM” 2026 program are already available. More information and the application form are available at: www.skolasmaratons.lv