In this article, the author analyzes processes in the sphere of education over ten years ago, emphasizing the importance in educational policy of moving away from the principle of "compensation for damages" to that of preventing the occurrence of social problems by investing capital in education in a timely manner. Despite reforms and symbolic attempts to improve the status and public perceptions of the teaching profession in Russia, it remains in a weak condition due to low salaries and poor working conditions. In comparison with other societies, Russia is failing to invest in teachers at a level that is appropriate for the nation to achieve its developmental goals.