On a proposal by Valérie Glatigny, the Government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation continues its commitment to making teaching professions more attractive. It has definitively adopted two major reforms that increase the salaries of future teachers trained over four years as well as those of school leadership, to better recognise their commitment and responsibilities.
From the 2027 school year, teachers holding a Master's in Teaching will benefit from the new pay scale 401, which is 5% higher than the scale currently applied to many teachers in primary and lower secondary education. This measure accompanies the extension of initial teacher training, now set at four years of study.
For a teacher at the start of their career, this pay rise represents a gain of around €150 gross per month, or nearly €1,800 gross per year. A concrete recognition of the commitment expected of future teachers from the very start of their careers.
The Government has also decided to strengthen the attractiveness of school leadership positions. From now on, a minimum salary difference of 25% will be guaranteed between a teacher and a head teacher with equivalent seniority. This reform responds to a long-standing demand from school leaders and organising authority federations, while taking into account the growing pedagogical, human and administrative responsibilities borne by head teachers. This puts an end to situations where some head teachers were paid the same as, or even less than, certain members of the teaching staff.
In total, nearly €36 million will be invested by 2029 to fund these two measures. This reinvestment better recognises the commitment of teachers and school leaders while durably strengthening the attractiveness of teaching careers.
With these two reforms, we are choosing to invest in the talent that brings our education system to life. By improving pay for future teachers and school leaders, we are strengthening the appeal of these careers and giving proper recognition to their commitment to pupils' success.