Certified teachers passed an integrated exam in English and computer skills. This year, the exam was held for the second time and more than 1,600 certified teachers took part in it. 54% of teachers successfully passed the exam. Last year, only 23% of teachers managed to achieve the minimum level. Starting in the new academic year, these teachers will get an additional 200 GEL. The teachers who scored in the top 25% will get salaries of 1,000 GEL. Compared to 2011 year, an increased number of teachers participated in the exams and most of them successfully passed the minimum score. These results can be attributed to the program “Teach and Learn With Georgia” initiated by the President and effective trainings organized by the Teachers’ Professional Development Center. A huge motivation for the teachers is increased salary. Based on the survey, communication with English language volunteer teachers is also a great benefit for teachers of subjects other than English. This cooperation is especially important for teachers from the regions.

Using an integrated exam in English and computer it is possible to simultaneously assess teachers’ knowledge of English and their computer skills. Teachers take the exam using computers. To do the exams, teachers are allowed to use the following online resources:  dictionaries, search engines etc.

The aim of the exam is to assess teachers’ abilities to perform research for their professional development and/or teaching methods using materials available online and only in English. In order to be successful in this, teachers must know how to use the internet and basic computer programs.