The Swedish education system needs a national, quality-assured structure for the professional development of teachers. The government has now laid the foundation for a new comprehensive professional programme that can be developed and expanded over time. Through this programme, preschool teachers, teachers, and headteachers will be offered relevant continuous professional development designed to strengthen the scientific basis of their professions and contributes to enhance the quality of teaching. This national structure will primarily be tailored individually and based on scientific evidence and proven experience.
The professional development programme consists of two main components:
- a national structure for the professional development of preschool teachers, teachers and headteachers;
- a national qualification system for certifying preschool teachers and teachers.
The training must be relevant to teaching within the school system to be recognised as qualifying education. Qualifying courses are undergraduate or postgraduate level subject studies, focussing on subject didactics, early childhood education, cognitive science, special needs education and leadership studies.
Qualification system within the professional development programme
Qualification means that a certified teacher or preschool teacher has their experience and professional development formally recognised. Accreditation can lead to new roles and make the teacher’s career experience more visible.
Certified teachers and preschool teachers who have participated or plan to participate in academic courses and practice-based research may become accredited.
The Qualification system has four levels. These levels do not necessarily build on the previous level, although Level 1 is required to progress to any higher levels. The choice of level depends on the teacher’s goals and career development plans.
Qualification level 1: the first step
When applying for Accreditation Level 1, Skolverket verifies that the teacher meets the basic requirements. This level is a prerequisite for progressing to the other levels.
The teacher must:
- hold certification as a teacher or preschool teacher;
- be employed at least half-time as a teacher or preschool teacher;
- have at least six years of service after initial qualification;
- have completed at least 15 credits of qualifying education after their initial qualification. Skolverket will determine which courses meet the requirements for this level.
Qualification level 2: advanced, broadened or specialised competence
The teacher must:
- have obtained Accreditation Level 1;
- be employed at least half-time as a teacher or preschool teacher;
- have completed at least 45 credits of qualifying education after their initial qualification (minimum 22.5 credits at postgraduate level);
- have completed a qualifying commissioned education programme of 7.5 credits specified by Skolverket.
Qualification level 3: Postgraduate Degree
The teacher must:
- have obtained Accreditation Level 1;
- be employed at least half-time as a teacher or preschool teacher;
- have completed a postgraduate degree of at least 60 credits after their initial qualification;
- ensure that at least half of the course credits are from qualifying areas of study, with the remainder from courses required for the degree;
- have completed a qualifying commissioned education programme of 7.5 credits specified by Skolverket.
Qualification level 4: Doctoral Degree
The teacher must:
- have obtained Accreditation Level 1;
- be employed at least half-time as a teacher or preschool teacher;
- have completed a licentiate or doctoral degree (this degree does not need to have been completed after the teacher’s initial qualification);
- have completed a qualifying commissioned education programme of 7.5 credits aimed at further developing and strengthening teaching competence, qualifying courses will be specified by Skolverket.
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