Educators can work in an educational institution if they possess the Latvian language at least at the C1 level (the maximum level is C2), writes Diena.
Currently, the Saeima is considering amendments to the law that require the head of an educational institution to verify teachers' language skills against these requirements, as well as to ensure that teachers use the state language in communication with students and among themselves.
The State Language Centre (SLC) regularly conducts checks to monitor compliance with these requirements. This year, the focus will be on preschool institutions.
Creating a strong language environment in education is not the responsibility of individual institutions, but a common priority, stated SLC Director Inese Muhka at a meeting of the Saeima Education, Culture, and Science Committee. Inspections in educational institutions are carried out based on complaints (which are usually justified) or statements, as well as planned inspections according to the centre's schedule and in cooperation with the State Service for Quality of Education (SSQE).
From 2022 to 2025, 405 teachers were identified whose language skills did not meet the requirements. Last year, 47 educational institutions were inspected (13 in 2024) and 2734 (559) teachers, of which 98 (36) did not possess the Latvian language at the C1 level. They were suspended from their duties. If these teachers did not pass the language test at the required level within three months, their employment was terminated.
According to Muhka, the inspections have yielded results, as in 2024, violations amounted to 6.4%, compared to only 3.58% last year. She acknowledged that the current number of teachers who do not possess the state language at the C1 level is "relatively small" compared to the situation in 2022.
