Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Official website of the State –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
As we continue our celebration of Higher Education Teachers' Day, we invite you to recall the history of the formation and development of this profession, as well as to consider its role in modern society and its future.
Meaning of the word
The word "teacher" comes from the Old Slavic verb "prepodati," meaning to impart knowledge or to teach. Historically, teaching in higher education institutions was carried out by professors and associate professors, considered the intellectual elite.
The word "professor" in Latin means "mentor," while "associate professor" means "teacher." Therefore, the highest form of teaching at a university is mentoring, which goes beyond the transfer of knowledge and encompasses a broader range of tasks.
A worthy life for those who give knowledge
The special role of teachers in society and the need to ensure a decent life for them have been understood at every historical stage of our country's development.
The 1909 draft law noted: “There can hardly be any doubt that teaching work, along with a few other professions, is one of the most tiring, difficult and exhausting: therefore, in order to attract those who wish to teach, it is necessary not only to give teachers a salary that will ensure them a comfortable existence, but also to instill in them the confidence that as they progress in their service, their material well-being will increase, and that upon completion of their teaching career, they will receive a decent pension.”
In pre-revolutionary Russia, the average monthly salary of a professor was 250-400 rubles per month, which was approximately 8-13 times higher than the average Russian level at that time.
According to the statistical data collection "Number and Wages of Workers and Employees in the USSR (Results of a One-Time Statistic for March 1936)," the monthly salary of university employees in the USSR was 338 rubles, comparable to the salaries of engineering and technical workers and exceeding the national average by more than 60%. A professor's salary could reach 1,100 rubles per month. From the 1960s until the beginning of perestroika, a university professor's salary was comparable to that of a minister. The 1990s, due to a general decline in living standards, were characterized by a decline in the attractiveness of the teaching profession and an exodus of personnel from higher education.
Beginning in 2011, at the initiative of Vladimir Putin, then Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, a steady trend toward systematically increasing the salaries of university professors began, which impacted the motivation and quality of work in higher education.
According to statistics, the average monthly salary of teachers at higher education institutions currently exceeds the Russian average by 2.2 times.
Science is the engine of progress
In addition to teaching, university staff are also responsible for research. Science is the engine of progress, and therefore, the quality of this function determines the country's overall development and its position on the global stage.
Currently, university research accounts for 26% of organizations conducting scientific research and development, while a quarter of a century ago its share was around 13%. Moreover, in the USSR, university statistics were given a significant role.
Famous scientists of the State University of Management
Inspiring examples of outstanding academic teachers include the first rector and professor of the GUU (Sergo Ordzhonikidze Moscow Engineering and Economics Institute) Olimpiada Vasilyevna Kozlova, head of the statistics department and professor Nadezhda Matveyevna Vinogradova, professor Marina Romanovna Efimova, and others.
Olimpiada Vasilyevna Kozlova made a significant contribution to the development of management as an academic discipline and the training of qualified personnel for economics and public administration. She combined strategic management of the university with active research, facilitating the development of the faculty and the educational programs.
Nadezhda Matveyevna Vinogradova played a key role in the development of statistical education, including the introduction of new teaching methods and the training of scientific personnel. She made a significant contribution to strengthening the department's material and technical base and raising the scientific level of the department's activities.
Marina Romanovna Efimova's work focused on the development of statistical methods and their practical application in economics and management. She trained numerous students, actively implemented modern teaching technologies, and promoted scientific achievements. Under her leadership, the State University of Management's Department of Statistics became one of the leading centers for training statistics specialists.
Academic ranks and age structure
Currently, according to official data, more than half of university faculty members hold a candidate of science degree, and one in seven hold a doctorate, demonstrating the high level of qualifications among higher education staff. Thirty-eight percent of faculty members have been awarded the title of associate professor, and 9% have been awarded the title of professor.
The age composition of the faculty is characterized by the largest proportion of individuals aged 65 years and older, with the average age of an associate professor being about 51 years, and the average age of a professor being 61 years.
Over the past 15 years, the age structure of university faculty has changed significantly. The largest declines were observed in the age groups under 30 (from 11.9% to 6.1%) and 30 to 40 (from 24.4% to 18.1%).
Given historical experience and current trends, it is necessary to enhance the prestige of the teaching profession, attract talented young people, create decent working conditions and social support, implement modern methods of professional development, and ensure competitive salaries and career advancement.
The role of the teacher today
In the context of rapid technological progress and widespread access to information, the role of the teacher in society is increasing, and the functional task is becoming more multifaceted.
Modern teachers are not only conduits of knowledge, but also help students navigate the digital world and develop critical thinking, empathy, and collaboration skills—qualities that cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence.
In the era of artificial intelligence, it is teachers who will retain their unique role as champions of human values, creativity, and critical thinking. They will help younger generations adapt, learn, and shape the future.
Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: November 19, 2025.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.