Abstract:

One of the main academic fields that offers a foundational education in science and technology is chemistry. In this paper, we discuss the problem of a lack of skilled chemistry teachers in primary schools. Because it significantly affects the education and growth of the next generation—our students—this problem is important and warrants our attention. We are living in a period when the importance of chemistry is being understood more and more in daily life and in numerous fields like medicine, pharmacy, toxicology, environmental sciences, industry, and technology.

Despite this significance and the rising demand for chemical education, there is a severe lack of skilled chemistry teachers in primary schools. The lack of chemistry instructors may have a detrimental effect on the standard of instruction and education provided to our pupils. We must thus concentrate on this problem and look for solutions.

This paper aims to address the causes of the shortage of qualified chemistry teachers in elementary schools. We will discuss potential solutions and measures that could improve this situation. It will be important to evaluate the impact of the shortage of these educators on our educational system and identify areas where improvement is needed. We are highlighting the possibilities of lifelong education for chemistry teachers.

We must look for ways to make the job of a trained chemistry teacher more appealing and to encourage students, both current and prospective teachers, to be interested in this discipline. The paper’s methodology offers several examples of how to support the further education of chemistry teachers, whether through e-learning or face-to-face instruction (laboratory exercises). The educational approaches and techniques employed include document content analysis, literature searches that concentrate on key areas in teaching chemistry subjects, and examination of expert papers and publications in the domain of chemistry education.

With its content, this paper can contribute to a broader discussion on the decreasing number of qualified chemistry educators in elementary and secondary schools. We assume that it will provide incentives for specific measures to increase the number of qualified chemistry teachers who can strengthen this field and ensure the quality of education for our students. It is necessary for us to collectively identify these issues and seek specific actions to address them. This may include increasing salary conditions for teachers with qualifications in the Chemistry Teaching programme (in combination), providing support and opportunities for professional development, promoting the profession of chemistry educators among students, and creating educational programmes that prepare teachers for this specialisation during their education. Through joint efforts, we can improve the situation regarding the shortage of chemistry-oriented educators for elementary schools, grammar and secondary vocational schools focusing on chemistry. It is necessary to create attractive conditions for future
chemistry educators and motivate them in their educational activities in this natural science subject.

Addressing the lack of skilled chemistry teachers involves supporting current educators as well. An essential issue that needs our attention and a solution is the lack of trained chemistry teachers in primary schools.

Keywords:

Lifelong learning, Chemistry, Laboratory exercise, Teacher.