POED has identified significant gaps and issues that require further clarification in the new appointment system proposed by the Ministry of Education, the organization’s President, Myria Vassiliou, told CNA, emphasizing that maintaining the list of candidates for appointment beyond 2027 is the only way forward. At the same time, she expressed concern about the extremely tight deadlines set for discussing the issue, placing the blame on the Ministry.
As Ms. Vasiliou noted, during today’s meeting, the Executive Board of POED “identified a series of specific questions and concerns,” which will be presented to the Minister next Monday, with the aim of receiving clear and substantiated answers from the Ministry.
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“These questions confirm, on the one hand, that we are faced with a proposal containing significant gaps, ambiguities, and issues that require further clarification,” he noted.
“On the other hand, POED’s position is to maintain the list of appointees beyond 2027, combined with correcting the distortions that have arisen in the exams in a way that does not disadvantage the teachers who have already participated in them, is essentially the only solution —the only way forward,” he emphasized.
He noted that “only through such an approach can both the smooth and adequate staffing of schools and the principles of fairness and the non-victimization of any teacher be ensured.”
“Unfortunately, once again, we are being called upon to discuss such a serious and critical issue under extremely tight deadlines, with the responsibility for this situation resting solely with the Ministry,” said Ms. Vassiliou.
She added that “for two years now, educators’ organizations have been awaiting the Ministry’s proposal, having repeatedly called for a timely and substantive dialogue.”
“Instead, we now have before us a document which, aside from the delay with which it was submitted, cannot be considered complete, as it leaves important questions unanswered and raises legitimate concerns regarding the potential consequences for teachers and school staffing,” he said.
“It is only natural, then, we wonder whether this prolonged delay was intentional or whether, at the very least, it is now creating a situation in which, under time pressure, an attempt is being made to impose a specific position of the Ministry as a fait accompli,” said the President of POED.
She emphasized that “it is unacceptable for an issue concerning the future of hundreds of teachers, the appointment process, and, by extension, the very operation of public schools, to be handled under time pressure and with artificial dilemmas.”
In closing, he stated that what is needed now “is time for meaningful consultation, clear answers, and a solution that will not create new injustices.”
“POED will continue to consistently defend teachers’ rights, insisting on a solution that will ensure both adequate staffing of schools and the dignity of every teacher, as well as preventing their victimization,” concluded Ms. Vassiliou.
Source: CNA
