TEACHERS AND CHALLENGES OF TEACHING IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS OF THE ITALIAN NATIONAL MINORITY IN RIJEKA

The educational system in multi -ethnic environments plays an important role in the socialization and preservation of the cultural and linguistic identity of minorities. Due to socio-historical events, the Italian component represents a significant identity segment of the city of Rijeka. There are four elementary schools of the Italian national minority operating in Rijeka. In this paper, we examine the attitudes of teachers working in these schools, the challenges they face in their teaching practice, and the level of satisfaction with their pedagogical work and the status of minority schools in the local community. The research is based on a qualitative research paradigm, with the discussion focused on the implications of the conducted descriptive analysis. The future development of minority schools will depend on the ability to maintain the number of student population and preserve ethnic identity. A brief historical overview of elementary education of the Italian minority in Rijeka from 1945 to the present day preceeds the analysis of the research results.