Teaching staff for rural schools in natural sciences: modern solutions

The shortage of teachers with a natural science background in rural schools is a critical challenge for providing quality education in remote areas of the Russian Federation.
The purpose of the study is to analyze modern approaches to training and attracting teaching staff to rural institutions.
The methodology includes analysis of data from Rosstat and the Ministry of Education for 2019–2024, a survey of 60 teachers from 23 rural schools across 8 Russian regions, expert interviews with 15 administrators, and content analysis of regional programs. A critical staffing level was identified: mathematics — 67.1%, physics — 58.3%, chemistry — 52.8%, biology — 70.4%. The average age of teachers is 49.2 years, the share of those of retirement age is 36.7%, and staff turnover is 31.6% annually. Targeted training demonstrates a 76.8% retention rate of graduates, and digital technologies increase access to education by 28.3%. The main barriers are salaries 24.1% lower than in cities and housing problems for 69.8% of teachers.
A comprehensive system of measures has been developed: targeted job placement with a mandatory three-year employment period, housing provision, and social benefits for young specialists. The professional support model integrates targeted training of rural school graduates, mandatory mentoring, and regular professional development at school-based centers. Implementation of these measures will increase staffing levels to 85–90% within 5–7 years with annual federal funding of 12.4 billion rubles.

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