Spanish teachers work more hours than EU average

Spanish teachers spend more time at work than those in other EU countries. This was revealed in a survey carried out by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

A Spanish Primary School teacher in Spain teaches an average of 880 hours in a term, which is 16 per cent more than the EU average of 755. Secondary school teachers spend 713 hours in front of their pupils compared to 659 in the rest of the EU.

However, maybe Spain’s teachers have little to complain about as they are amongst the best-paid in Europe.

According to OECD, a new teacher earns around €35,900 per year, and around €50,100 per year after 15 years of teaching. They also earn more than the average of people with higher education in other jobs.

State schools have the same average ratio of children per teacher than the rest of the EU, with 19.8 in primary and 23.5 in secondary education.

Figures are higher at private schools, with 24.5 in primary school and 25.8 in secondary school.