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Teacher Contracts

Can the principal reduce my hours without consent?

Significant changes to working conditions, including salary reduction due to fewer hours, generally require your consent unless justified by objective reasons like class reduction.

Do teachers get paid during summer holidays?

Yes, teachers are entitled to paid leave. The practice of some private schools paying only for 10 months often violates the Labor Code.

What is the notice period for dismissal?

According to the Labor Code, an employer must give at least 30 calendar days' notice before dismissal, typically accompanied by severance pay.

When does a contract become indefinite?

If a teacher has been employed in the same position for more than 30 months cumulatively via consecutive contracts, the contract is deemed indefinite by law.

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Teacher Employment Contracts: Rights and Guarantees

The employment contract signed with a school teacher is the main document regulating their rights, duties, and remuneration. In Georgia, contracts for public school teachers are largely standardized by the Ministry of Education, though nuances regarding workload distribution still exist. In private schools, contract terms often vary and may contain unfavorable clauses for the teacher (e.g., unstable workload, unpaid summer leave). An employment contract should cover not only teaching hours but also additional responsibilities (homeroom duties, clubs, duty shifts) and their corresponding pay. Incorrectly drafted or interpreted contracts often become the basis for labor disputes.

This service helps teachers understand their rights before or after signing a contract. We also assist private and public schools in drafting contracts fully compliant with legislation, preventing future misunderstandings.

What Does the Teacher Contracts Service Cover?

Specialists on Legal.ge offer the following services:

  • Contract Legal Audit: Analyzing existing or proposed agreements for compliance with the Labor Code and the Law "On General Education."
  • Salary Calculation Verification: Verifying the correctness of salary based on hourly workload, status supplements, and seniority.
  • Leave Rights: Resolving issues related to paid leave (especially during summer) and maternity leave.
  • Workload Disputes: Legal response when the school administration unjustifiably reduces hours or transfers them to another teacher.
  • Contract Termination: Assessing the legality of dismissal and litigating in court in cases of illegal termination.

Common Real-World Scenarios and Needs

The following problems are common in school practice:

  • Reduction of Hours: At the beginning of the new academic year, the principal reduced a teacher's hours to a minimum (resulting in a salary decrease) to force them to resign voluntarily.
  • Summer Pay: A private school signed a 10-month contract with a teacher, thereby depriving them of the right to paid summer holidays, which is often discriminatory.
  • Additional Functions: The school obliges the teacher to perform work (e.g., helping with repairs, security duties) not provided for in their employment contract.
  • Chain of Fixed-Term Contracts: The school signs 1-year contracts for years instead of an indefinite contract to avoid long-term obligations.

Georgian Legal Framework

Teacher labor relations are regulated by the Organic Law of Georgia "Labor Code" and the special Law "On General Education." For public schools, a Standard Teacher Contract approved by the Minister of Education applies, establishing minimum standards. The law protects teachers from discrimination and ensures their right to paid leave (including in summer).

Service Process

Cooperation includes:

  1. Consultation: Identifying the problem and reviewing contract terms.
  2. Written Appeal: Preparing an official claim addressed to the school principal or the board of trustees.
  3. Mediation: Resolving the problem through negotiation (with the involvement of the resource center).
  4. Litigation: Filing a lawsuit to restore violated rights.

Why Choose a Specialist on Legal.ge?

Teachers' labor rights are often violated due to a lack of information. Legal.ge allows you to connect with lawyers who defend educators. Setting the right legal accents is often enough for the school administration to change its decision even without going to court.

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