Regulation of teachers' salaries and verification of certificates in Kosovo and Metohija in the period from 1878 to 1912

Abstract

The position of the Serbian schools and teachers in Kosovo and Metohija was harsh and insecure due to constant attack and criticism from the Turks and Arbanasi. The Turkish government considered the teachers to be the people actively working on achieving Serbian national interests, and the schools were believed to be places where the utmost authority of the Turkish government and state is being constantly undermined. Educational politics sought to make schools places where students and bearers of national cultural prosperity are educated. Perceived this way, elementary school and conception of education and upbringing, instigated high demands from future educators. Teachers were required to be both transmitters of knowledge as well as the national workers and educators. Unable to start fundamental social changes, teachers focused their social work on awakening national consciousness and preserving school self-government based on the privileges of the Patriarchate and on informing the Consulate about all events in their area. Serbian government used their reports for official protests in front of Turkish Porta as well as for informing the world public about the position of their countrymen in Ottoman Empire. Thus, most of all, the Turkish state authorities challenged the work permit of Serbian schools. Teachers had to confirm their school diplomas before the competent authorities in the town of Skoplje, which fundamentally changed the social position of Serbian schools.