On Friday, October 25, teachers of physics and chemistry from various primary and secondary schools in Estonia visited Metrosert as part of the “Lae End” program. Aigar Vaigu delivered a welcoming speech to the teachers, after which they headed to explore our exciting laboratories, led by Lauri Lillepea.

Lae End at Metrosert

Metrosert is one of the founders of the “Lae End” program. In collaboration with leaders in the education sector, companies ABB, Enefit, Fermi Energia, LHV, Nordecon, and Metrosert launched the program in 2022 to provide the best educational experience to all primary school students studying physics across Estonia. This year, additional training in chemistry has also been offered. Over three seasons, the program has provided professional development for 30 physics teachers and 10 chemistry teachers.

More than 300 teachers of physics and/or chemistry from all counties in Estonia have been nominated for the program. In collaboration with Videoõps, 46 educational videos have been created that cover the entire primary school physics curriculum. These videos support teachers in schools and help young students in independent learning. The educational kits from program partner Praktika have reached over 140 Estonian schools and more than 8,600 students.

Teachers visit companies that initiated the educational program to see practical examples of physics, chemistry, and engineering. They create educational videos in collaboration with Videoõps, which cover the 7th-grade natural sciences curriculum, to support teachers in schools and young students in independent study. Additionally, teachers receive Praktika educational kits as gifts to conduct practical lessons. At the end of the program, teachers receive a financial bonus equivalent to a 13th monthly salary, totaling 2,184 euros gross, which is equal to the average teacher’s salary in 2024.

The program received the title of “Friend of Education 2023” from the Ministry of Education and Research and the City of Tallinn last year. Partners of the program include the Estonian Physical Society, Praktika, and Videoõps.

For more information about the Lae End program, visit: www.laeend.ee.

Interesting Fact!

An analysis conducted by the OSKA labor force and skills forecasting system revealed that there is still a significant need for replacement teachers, particularly in mathematics and natural sciences. To inspire young people’s interest in studying STEM subjects, we need motivating teachers who can connect what is taught to real life, encourage questioning, doubting, and experimenting. To generate interest in students, teachers themselves must find teaching engaging, and that is what the “Lae End” program offers, bringing teachers together with innovators in the education sector.