Lithuania

Preprimary and other basic level instructors are trained for three to four years at various pedagogical colleges and universities, including Vilnius Pedagogical University, Klaipeda University, and Siauliai Pedagogical Institute. Secondary school instructors are trained at many of the institutes mentioned, in addition to Vilnius University and Vytautas Magnus University (in Kaunas). Four-year programs are available and admission to such a program is based on a bachelor's degree and at least one year of teaching experience. However, a master's degree guarantees an instructor a position at the secondary level. (EuroEducation Net 1996).

A doctorate is required for anyone wanting to achieve full professor status at an institute of higher learning. A master's is required to begin a career as a lecturer. There are four distinctions of staff in the universities of Lithuania. The lowest teaching position is that of the Asistentas (Assistant). A master's degree is required and research activity is preferred to obtain this position. The second type of instructor is known as the Vyresnysis Asistentas (Senior Assistant). This senior position of teaching is held without a doctorate and can be occupied for two terms. There is no opportunity to teach master's students in this position and research activity is required. A docent (Associated Professor) should hold a Docentas (doctorate) or educational award. The highest level of teaching position is known as the Professorius (Professor). A person holding this position must obtain the highest scientific degree or highest educational award available. A number of publications are required, in addition to a leading position in a branch of investigation performed at the department of study (Profile of the Lithuanian Higher Education System 2000).

The Law on Education has established a six-part set of rights for its educators. According to Article 23, teachers have the right to:

1. Freely choose the manner of organization of teaching activities
2. Improve their qualification and receive a corresponding salary in accordance with the established order
3. Suitable working conditions
4. Yearly prolonged vacations (48 working days)
5. Take part in the self-government of state educational institutions provided that they are not employees of the administration of that institution
6. Join social organizations

In addition to the set of rights a teacher possesses, the educator is also bound by a set of duties. Teachers must:

1. Develop the students' norms of morality and guarantee safe and sound development of their personal abilities
2. Aim to make development programs comprehensive for the pupils
3. Adhere to the principles of pedagogical ethics
4. Participate in activities outside of school in order to further develop the cultural and personal interests of the pupils
5. Improve their qualifications
6. Cooperate with the parents and guardians in settling questions of a child's education (NAFSA 1991)