Title: Three-Phase Payment of Teachers’ Ranking Arrears Now in Progress
Government Moves Forward with Long-Awaited Teacher Ranking Payments
The payment of outstanding salary arrears under Iran’s teacher ranking system—one of the most critical professional demands of educators—has faced administrative and financial hurdles. However, recent estimates indicate that a significant portion of these delayed payments will be settled by the end of summer 2025.
The teacher ranking scheme, a key promise to improve educators’ livelihoods, was implemented in September 2021 after years of delays. Yet phased execution, budget shortfalls, and financial transparency issues have left 2021 arrears partially unpaid.
Background: The Teacher Ranking System
Approved by Parliament and the Ministry of Education, the ranking system officially took effect on September 22, 2021 (1400/6/31). However, due to procedural delays in issuing final rank decrees until 2023, teachers became entitled to retroactive pay adjustments for the interim period.
These unpaid differences, known as “1400 Teacher Ranking Arrears,” vary per educator based on:
- Final rank
- Academic qualifications
- Years of service
- Province of employment
Reasons for Payment Delays
- Incomplete budget allocations in 2022–2023
- Revisions and appeals in the ranking system (RET platform)
- Mass appeals challenging final rankings, delaying decree finalization
- Treasury prioritization of other government obligations
Three-Phase Payment Schedule
| Phase | Eligible Group | Expected Payment Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Teachers with finalized decrees | By late 2024 (Tir–Shahrivar 1404) | Pending treasury funding |
| Phase 2 | Teachers with approved appeals | Mehr–Aban 1404 | Post-review by appeals boards |
| Final Phase | Remaining decree adjustments | Azar–Dey 1404 | Possible supplementary payments |
Source: Analysis of Ministry of Education and Plan & Budget Organization statements
Estimated Arrears by Rank
| Rank | Estimated Arrears (Tomans) |
|---|---|
| Rank 1 | 5–10 million |
| Rank 2 | 10–15 million |
| Rank 3 | 15–20 million |
| Rank 4 | 25–35 million |
| Rank 5 (Senior) | 40–55 million |
How Teachers Can Track Payments
- Check status via my.medu.ir
- Obtain printed decree from local education offices
- File formal appeals via the Ministry’s Response System
- Contact provincial education departments
- Escalate to Article 90 Commission or Administrative Justice Court if unjustly delayed
Parliamentary Action for Retirees
In February 2024, the Islamic Consultative Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to resolving retirees’ payment adjustments, aligning with Guardian Council approvals—a step toward addressing long-standing grievances.
Urgent Appeal for Second-Half 2021 Arrears
A campaign led by active and retired teachers (June–September 2024) calls for immediate payment of second-half 2021 arrears to prevent further depreciation of owed amounts, citing legal mandates under Article 11 of the Administrative Justice Court.
Note: Timelines and amounts are projections subject to budgetary approvals.
