Three seventh-grade classes in a Volgograd gymnasium without a mathematics teacher

At Gymnasium No. 2 in the Krasnoarmeysky District of Volgograd, three out of four seventh-grade classes are without a permanent mathematics teacher. According to parents, for more than a year, this subject has been taught by an informatics teacher. Families are concerned about what level of knowledge students will have when they approach the final certification.

‘Gymnasium No. 2 in the Krasnoarmeysky District has been waiting for a mathematics teacher for seventh-graders for the second year. We have four seventh-grade classes in total. In class 7A, mathematics is taught by the gymnasium«s deputy head, while the other children seem abandoned. For them, mathematics is taught by an informatics teacher. The quality of education has dropped; it seems like there is none. They only solve examples; they don»t know how to solve problems,’ parents told V1.RU. ‘As we were explained, the school is looking for a teacher, but no one wants to work. We really want our children to gain knowledge. The State Final Examination (OGE) is approaching. Not every family can afford a tutor.’

According to information on job search websites, the gymnasium has posted a vacancy for a full-time mathematics teacher. The candidate«s responsibilities include forming knowledge and skills in mathematics and informatics, cooperating with other teachers, developing student initiative, and working with parents. For this work, a salary of 27,000 to 30,000 rubles is offered (approximately $300–333 at current rates).

In a conversation with a correspondent, the gymnasium«s director, Tatyana Kuzmina, initially stated that all lessons, including mathematics, are conducted according to the schedule. However, she did not specify who exactly is teaching the classes. A few minutes later, Kuzmina called back and retracted her comment, explaining that she was not the one who answered the call earlier. All questions about the shortage of teachers and teaching specifics she redirected to the administration of Volgograd.

A request has been sent to the city administration asking to comment on the situation with mathematics teaching at the gymnasium. At the time of preparing the material, no response had been received.

Earlier, after the January holidays, fifth-grade classes at Gymnasium No. 13 in the Traktorozavodsky District were left without a mathematics teacher. As parents reported, the subject was temporarily removed from the schedule after the dismissal of the previous teacher. At this gymnasium, they are ready to offer a new employee a salary of 28,000 to 40,000 rubles (approximately $311–444 at current rates).