The Minister of Education, Athina Michailidou, is in discussions with the relevant ministries to find solutions and keep children engaged during the summer and school breaks, in order to make things easier for parents. She made these remarks from the studio of the “Alpha Summer” show, where she also discussed the teacher appointment system and air conditioning in schools.
Teacher Appointments
When asked whether the selection process for teachers to be hired will be based on years of experience or on their exam scores, she stated that, under the new proposal, both factors will be taken into account.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“It’s a key factor in the quality of the system—who enters the system. This discussion began fifteen years ago. The way they were appointed was outdated—a system where you simply submitted your degree to a list. So it had been identified as outdated back then; it was discussed and brought before Parliament. A ten-year transition period was decided upon, during which admission would be based solely on exams rather than on the list where people submitted their degrees. We now recognize that a host of distortions arose during that decade. First of all, it appears that the exams have proven to have far too many problems. Second, it appears that these people who have worked in public schools have acquired rights and experience. They are there, helping, supporting, being appointed, and meeting needs.”
He explains that for this reason, the Ministry—since the list of candidates for appointment will be abolished in 2027 in accordance with the law—is moving forward with interventions and corrections. He notes that out of the approximately 2,000 people currently in the system, priority is being given for appointment. “We are creating a closed, time-limited registry to appoint these people, not to make them permanent,” he adds, explaining that in order to become permanent employees, everyone must take an exam, which will essentially serve as a ranking system.
“What matters to people? That I have enough teachers to appoint, and that these teachers are good. And we’re ensuring that, without victimizing the people who are already in the system.”
When asked when the changes will be finalized, she states that there is still a period of discussion with teachers’ organizations, and when asked to comment on the reactions, she says that the Ministry is addressing their fears and concerns and listening to their suggestions.
Delayed School Reopening
Regarding the reopening of schools on September 14 and when asked to comment on the fact that parents do not have an unlimited number of days off from work to stay with their children, as well as the reactions the Minister’s response to parents’ concerns provoked, Ms. Michaelidou reiterated her answer.
“I think we should put this in the right context because even when I made that statement, I had added ‘wherever possible.’ Because we know that sometimes there is no flexibility—neither for grandparents nor for spending quality time with the children. There has been legislation in place for many, many years that dictates when schools open and when they close. However, it is a fact that parents need support in deciding where to leave their children. That’s why we started summer schools. Summer schools aren’t just a place for children to pass the time. They spend quality time there. “These spots filled up immediately, right from the first week.”
“We’re expanding these programs, but there are still far too few to meet the existing need,” she points out.
“We plan to expand even further. We’re not solving the problem in its entirety. That is, we need to work in collaboration with other ministries—we’ve started discussing this. I’m also discussing the broader issues of the school year and the school schedule—when schools should start, when they should close, and the daily routine—in collaboration with parents.”
She clarifies that the issue is being discussed so that we can reassess what society needs today.
When asked to comment on a survey in which parents reported that they are forced to leave their children home alone during the summer because they have to go to work, she states that, together with other ministries, a discussion should be initiated because they recognize this need.
Read also: Parents Leave Their Minor Children Home Alone: What a Survey Reveals About the Problem of School Vacations
Air Conditioners
Regarding the installation of air conditioners in schools and the number of units that are in working order, he responds that the figures will be published this coming Friday, while electricians are working at an accelerated pace in schools to get as many air conditioners up and running as possible.
When asked to comment on allegations that the Ministry of Education provided “fabricated” data when information was requested in June, the Minister stated that it is difficult to calculate the number because while installation is easy, connecting them to the power grid is not, since the schools’ electrical grid needs to be upgraded, which is a time-consuming process.
