North Macedonia is beginning to experience a surplus of teachers due to mass emigration and a decreasing student population.

Education Minister Vesna Janevska said on September 11 that the government developed a plan to make effective use of these surplus educators and retain them within the educational system.

"The strategy involves implementing a one-shift system, extending the time students and teachers spend in schools, and introducing full-day teaching, which has proven highly effective in several countries," Janevska stated.

As part of the plan, the government intends to increase the number of students per class to a minimum of 20. Schools with a small number of pupils will be required to merge with central schools to enhance the quality of education and provide better learning opportunities.

Janevska acknowledged that these changes might initially lead to a surplus of teachers. However, she assured that these educators would remain integral to the system by taking on additional activities during the second shift.

Some will be offered positions within the Bureau for Education Development, the State Examination Centre and other institutions, where there is already a shortage of experienced staff.

"The idea is to utilise our entire pool of teachers to help students acquire better knowledge," she was cited by broadcaster Telma.

The Ministry of Education, with support from UNICEF and the World Bank, in collaboration with local communities, is working on optimising the school network, beginning with primary schools, according to the statement released by the ministry.

“Our aim is to make more efficient use of limited financial and human resources, ensuring improved teaching quality across all schools and enhancing student performance," said Janevska.