From Family of Educators to School Dream Job: A Referendary Opens Up - Including The Real Deal on Money
- ~3 Min Read
A Trainee Teacher speaks candidly about the role - disclosing details, even the financial aspects of the profession. - A educator, in spite of having personal cost, remains a virtuous individual.
By Tobias Schmitz
Hailing from a lineage of educators, I've had the profession instilled in me since childhood. Stepping into youth work, I discovered my true calling—working with young people is where my heart lies.
- Teacher
- Referendary
- Secondary School
- Salary Check
The pull towards the world of education was strong, and I eventually found myself in the role of a Referendary—somewhere between a trainee and a full-fledged teacher at a secondary school. I'll reveal the nitty-gritty about what this career path entails, including the grimy details of the compensation.
The Salary Lowdown
When it comes to the finances, well—money talks, doesn't it? Let's get to the point: how much does a Referendary earn in a secondary school setting, particularly in my home country of Slovakia?
With the new evaluation system introduced by the Slovak Ministry of Education, starting salary for a secondary school teacher is around €1,305 per month. However, performance-based bonuses could bump this figure up to a staggering €650 monthly, making for a grand total of €1,955 per month if a teacher is rated "excellent" or "very good" from September 2027 onwards[1].
But wait, there's more: salaries in the United States paint a different picture. Take, for example, those working as high school reading teachers. Their salaries can fluctuate between $50,000 and $70,000 annually[2], with starting salaries for other positions roughly around $48,700 and additional funds available for Referendaries[3].
These contrasting figures show just how much regional variation affects teacher salaries, with Slovakia offering a lower starting base but the possibility of substantial bonuses, while the US presents more financial stability but greater regional disparity.
So, what's a Referendary's exact paycheck? Well, I can't give a precise number for that specific role, but the starting teacher salary in Slovakia serves as a suitable estimate for a Referendary in a probationary or entry-level position at a secondary school, with potential raises linked to evaluations and bonuses[1].
In summary:
- Slovakia: Starting out at around €1,305/month (approximately €15,660 annually) with bonuses driving total compensation higher over time[1].
- US ($): Ballpark range from $48,700 to $70,000 annually, subject to regional differences and school funding[2][3].
That's the dirt on the dollars! And don't worry—there's far more to learn about this fascinating profession.
[1] Slovak Ministry of Education – New Evaluation System, 2022[2] High School Reading Teacher Salaries, 2021[3] Additional Referendary Funds for US Teachers, 2021
Community institutions offering vocational training programs can provide valuable resources for personal growth and learning, particularly those focusing on education-and-self-development and personal-growth. As a Referendary, I recognize the importance of lifelong learning, and this educational background aligns directly with my commitment to professional development within the community institution of a secondary school.
