The newly published human development report focuses on significant issues within the Estonian education system, emphasizing that education, which has been the engine of Estonia's growth, is now stalling and may not continue to propel progress as effectively. The report identifies three central challenges: a shortage of new teachers, increasing regional disparities affecting schools, and the lack of practical application of various educational research findings.

Firstly, the teacher shortage is exacerbated by high burnout rates among existing educators and uncompetitive salaries relative to the job's demands. This situation endangers the overall quality of education, as schools struggle to attract and retain qualified professionals. Secondly, the report notes that regional disparities are worsening within Estonia, with some areas receiving significantly better educational resources and opportunities than others, further complicating the schooling landscape. Finally, despite the presence of many educational studies and research projects, there is a troubling gap in their implementation in real-world settings, limiting their potential impact on improving the education system.

The editorial from Postimees argues that central to addressing these challenges should be the value placed on teachers within the education system. It recalls the historical significance of the teacher training seminar founded by Bengt Gottfried Forselius near Tartu in 1684, highlighting the foundational role of trained educators in developing an effective public school system. The piece concludes by stressing the importance of valuing teachers, which consists of addressing salary competitiveness, supporting teacher well-being, and enhancing the practical application of educational research.