Image that illustrates Freinet teacher

Freinet teacher

40 200 kr

Primary school teachers

26 500 - 42 900 kr / month

Women earn 102% of what men do.

Pedagogiskt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Freinet teacher

Average salary 40 200 kr
Males 39 700 kr
Females 40 400 kr

What does a Freinet teacher do? – tasks and work environment

A Freinet teacher works by instructing according to the principles of Freinet pedagogy, which emphasizes student participation, creativity, and real-world relevance in learning. In practice, this often means project-based teaching where students' own interests and initiatives play a central role. Tasks include planning and conducting lessons, supervising student projects, documentation, and collaborating with colleagues, parents, and sometimes external partners. The work environment is often characterized by flexibility and open dialogue between teachers and students, with the classroom seen as a democratic meeting place.

Salary development over time

The salary for Freinet teachers has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,700 kronor per month, which increased to 39 000 kronor in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has reached 40 200 kronor per month, representing a total increase of approximately 6.6% over three years. This positive trend reflects increased awareness of the importance of alternative pedagogical methods and a growing interest in Freinet pedagogy. Salary increases are also influenced by teacher shortages in some areas, collective bargaining, and higher educational requirements within the profession. Despite the overall increase, differences still exist depending on experience, educational background, and employer.

Freinet teacher salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 40 200 kr/month
  • Lowest salary: 26,500 kr/month (female, private sector, 3-year upper secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 42,900 kr/month (male, public sector, doctoral studies)
  • Hourly wage (average): 242 kr
  • Men: 39 700 kr
  • Women: 40 400 kr
  • Women earn: 102% of men's salaries

Freinet teachers often work in smaller groups and have the opportunity to adapt teaching based on each student's unique needs. This allows for creativity and innovation in the teaching role, contributing to a varied workday.

– statsskuld.se

Education and qualifications

To work as a Freinet teacher, a basic teacher training focusing on primary education is required, often supplemented with further education in Freinet pedagogy or similar alternative methods. Many schools prefer teachers with experience in project-based work and an interest in student democracy, which is central to the Freinet tradition. Practical experience and the ability to work process-oriented are also important qualifications.

  • Teacher education: Bachelor’s degree in primary education (3.5–4.5 years depending on specialization)
  • Further education: Courses in Freinet pedagogy or similar methods
  • Internship: Longer internship periods during studies
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
  • Tips: Engagement in pedagogical networks and continuous training increase employment opportunities

Common benefits and compensations

Freinet teachers are generally covered by collective agreements that provide access to occupational pension schemes, wellness allowances, paid further training, and sometimes additional vacation days. Many employers also offer mentoring, coaching programs, and opportunities for professional development within alternative pedagogical methods.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Freinet teacher varies depending on the region and the school's focus. Since Freinet schools are often smaller and fewer in number than traditional schools, the number of available positions may be limited nationwide. At the same time, there is demand for educators with specialized skills in student-active work methods and project-based learning, which can be advantageous for those with the right profile. A challenge is to stay updated in both general pedagogy and Freinet methods, while maintaining flexibility to meet students' changing needs.

Tips for those who want to become a Freinet teacher

To succeed as a Freinet teacher, it is good to be attentive and genuinely interested in students' perspectives, as student influence is central to the profession. An open mind and creativity help create inspiring and real-world teaching environments. Good collaboration skills are essential, as working with colleagues, students, and parents is a daily part of the job. The ability to lead projects and work independently is valuable, especially since teaching is often flexible and based on students' initiatives. Engagement in further training and pedagogical networks provides opportunities for professional development and deeper understanding of Freinet pedagogy. Patience and adaptability are also crucial, as each student and class may have different needs and conditions.

Key facts about Freinet teachers

  • Education level: Bachelor’s degree in primary education + further training in Freinet pedagogy
  • Work environment: Project-based and student-centered
  • Common employment type: Permanent position in primary or independent schools
  • Demand: Moderate, with a declining forecast over five years
  • Special skills: Project management and student democracy

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a Freinet teacher can advance to roles such as team leader, pedagogical developer, or responsible for the school's pedagogical orientation. Opportunities also exist to supervise new teachers or participate in national and international pedagogical networks. The forecast from the employment agency indicates that opportunities within the primary school teaching profession are medium-sized nationally, but demand is expected to decrease somewhat over five years. Despite this, there are currently 434 job openings in the field, showing that the need remains significant, especially for teachers with special expertise in alternative pedagogies.

Frequently asked questions about Freinet teachers

  • What is the average salary of a Freinet teacher?
    - The average monthly salary for a Freinet teacher is 40 200 kronor.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn an average of 40 400 kronor and men 39 700 kronor, which means women earn 102% of men's salaries.
  • How does one become a Freinet teacher?
    - A basic teacher education is required, often supplemented with further training in Freinet pedagogy and experience with project-based learning.
  • What is the highest salary for a Freinet teacher?
    - The highest reported monthly salary is 42,900 kronor for a man with doctoral studies in the public sector.
  • What does the future look like for Freinet teachers?
    - The employment agency's forecast shows moderate opportunities today, but demand is expected to decrease over the next five years.
  • What characterizes the work environment for Freinet teachers?
    - The work environment is often project-based, student-centered, and characterized by great flexibility.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Freinet teacher is 42900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Government sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 42100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Freinet teacher is 26500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Private sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 27800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 105% 26300 kr 26300 kr
25-34 101% 37300 kr 37300 kr
35-44 100% 40200 kr 40300 kr
45-54 100% 42500 kr 42500 kr
55-64 102% 42600 kr 42600 kr
65-68 101% 41600 kr 41600 kr
Snitt 102% 40200 kr 40200 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Freinet teacher has the SSYK code 2341, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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