Teachers should not be targeted over the date on which elementary schools reopen, says POED President Myria Vassiliou, speaking on the “Alpha News” program.
“If you compare Cyprus with the other countries in the European Union in terms of the number of days our children are in school, we’re close to the average—there’s no difference. I’m saying this because we’ve been hearing all sorts of things lately. It’s not right for teachers to be targeted for various reasons, especially for this one.”
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She expressed POED’s support for summer schools, noting that they are working to strengthen the program through recommendations, while expressing a willingness to engage in discussion.
Regarding the staffing of teachers in schools, who are set to return on September 7, Ms. Vassiliou stated that the process is currently underway.
Regarding special education aides, Ms. Vassiliou notes that despite initial concerns about a possible reduction or non-approval of additional staffing needs, the Ministry of Education has confirmed that the “green light” has been given; as she notes, POED is closely monitoring the issue, as it considers support staff an integral part of the educational process for children who need them.
While discussions regarding the teacher appointment system are ongoing, this year’s staffing will proceed as usual under the transitional period, with 50% drawn from the list of eligible appointees and 50% from the list of eligible candidates. However, because the list of candidates eligible for appointment has been exhausted for elementary school teachers, staffing for optional full-day schools will again this year be drawn exclusively from the list of candidates eligible for appointment.
Ms. Vassiliou reiterates POED’s disagreement with the notion that a written exam can determine a teacher’s suitability for the classroom. As she points out, the system has consistently presented serious problems over time, with a telling example being that only 11% of candidates manage to pass the exams.
She argues that there is a risk of a teacher shortage in 2027, since—unless corrective measures are taken—in less than a year before the complete abolition of the list of eligible candidates in September 2027, the Minister herself admits that, unless the legislation is changed, schools will not have enough teachers to function.
POED is calling for the preservation of the current system (50%-50%) in order to safeguard those who have supported public schools for years, such as permanent teachers, contract teachers, and substitute teachers.
At a recent meeting with the Minister of Education, POED submitted specific comments, pointing out that the Ministry’s proposal requires clarification and does not take into account categories such as contract teachers in optional full-day programs. The Minister committed to presenting detailed written proposals next week.
