Lithuania’s education sector is facing a growing crisis as teachers grapple with increasing pressure and a lack of support, prompting calls for urgent action to address the issues. Concerns over low wages, challenging working conditions, and what some describe as “parental terror” are driving experienced educators away from the profession and discouraging young people from entering it.
On February 6, 2026, the Lithuanian Education Trade Union (LŠDPS) announced that its Vice-President E. Leiputė-Stundžienė participated in the “Labor Law 2026” conference. The same day, Leiputė-Stundžienė also attended a meeting of the Education Committee of the Seimas, Lithuania’s parliament. These meetings underscore the union’s active engagement with policymakers on critical labor issues.
The LŠDPS has been vocal about the need to uphold agreements regarding teacher salaries, which should increase in line with the national average wage. According to Alius Avčininkas, a well-known language teacher, the current situation feels like a deliberate attempt to undermine those commitments. “If the average wage rises by a certain percentage, the agreement was that teachers’ salaries should rise by the same percentage or at least something similar,” Avčininkas stated in November 2025 during a protest outside the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport. “We haven’t come up with any additional demands. This was the agreement, This represents what the government program states, and they themselves set this goal. But they are unable to achieve this goal and are looking for ways to circumvent it.”
Avčininkas’s comments came during a demonstration that drew hundreds of teachers to the capital city. He expressed hope for a constructive dialogue with authorities, but warned against cynicism. The protest highlighted the frustration felt by educators who believe their concerns are not being adequately addressed.
The issue of parental interference in the classroom has also emerged as a significant concern. Avčininkas recently spoke about a “critical limit” being reached, citing instances of what he described as “parental terror.” Young teachers, in particular, are reportedly leaving the profession due to this pressure. This situation underscores the need for a supportive environment for educators and clear boundaries regarding parental involvement.
On February 5, 2026, LŠDPS Chairman Andrius Navickas participated in a press conference alongside representatives from four other educational organizations. Also on February 5, LŠDPS Vice-President E. Leiputė-Stundžienė attended a meeting of the Seimas Education Committee. These collaborative efforts demonstrate a united front in advocating for the rights and well-being of Lithuanian educators.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Sport has acknowledged the challenges and indicated that it is preparing measures to attract and retain teachers, with proposals expected to be released for public consultation soon. The LŠDPS has also called for the urgent development of a national program focused on teacher recruitment and safety. These developments suggest a growing recognition of the need for systemic change within the Lithuanian education system.
In January 2026, the LŠDPS hosted a council meeting in Vilnius and participated in several international discussions, including a strategic discussion on artificial intelligence organized by ETUCE, and a conference in Moldova focused on inclusive education. These international engagements demonstrate the LŠDPS’s commitment to staying informed about global trends and best practices in education.
