The much-discussed issue of the appointment system in Education, at least, as far as the meetings of educational organizations and the Ministry of Education are concerned, is entering the final stretch. POED, OELMEK and OLTEK – apart from their positions of Movements – have not officially taken a position on the Minister's proposal, which they have had in their hands since the end of July.
In view of their meetings with Athena Michailidou, which it is recalled will be separate in the coming days, the three organizations are talking to each other today, around noon. As stated by the president of POED, Myria Vassiliou, "the common position of the three educational organizations is that the existing legislation needs immediate amendment, in order to ensure, on the one hand, the unhindered staffing of Public Schools after 2027 and, on the other hand, the fair treatment of all teachers, without wronging anyone, regardless of the list on which they are located.
For the three Organizations, it is clear that they are not going to accept the victimization of any teacher. With this as a common point of reference, today's meeting of the three educational organizations will take place, in the context of coordination and common approach."
POED: The list of appointees must be maintained
Regarding POED and how she approaches the issue, on the occasion of the meeting she will have with the Minister of Education, Ms. Vassiliou stated that the organization will meet on August 27 and 28, while the meeting with the Minister is set for August 31.
''The position of the POED is clear: The list of appointees must be maintained after 2027. In this way, a sufficient number of teachers is ensured to staff the schools, while avoiding additional distortions and the possibility of victimizing teachers who already serve and contribute to the public school through this list", said the head of POED.
"At the same time, any corrective moves in relation to the list of appointees and the examination system must be made in a fair way, so as not to do injustice to teachers who have already sat the exams and have formed their professional planning based on the existing framework," he added.
In relation to the ongoing dialogue, Ms. Vassiliou told "F" that POED is coming with specific positions, but also with a series of questions and suggestions. "We expect to hear the necessary answers and clarifications from the Ministry and, at the same time, we expect that there will be a substantial willingness to listen to and take into account the positions and concerns of POED. For us, any change must serve two basic principles: To ensure the staffing of schools and, at the same time, not to be unfair to any teacher", she pointed out.
OELMEK: Meritocracy, transparency and adequate staffing of schools
Asked to comment on what is planned on this issue, the president of OELMEK, Konstantinos Konstantinou, pointed out that the new appointment system is indeed a very important issue and in any case it is the first priority educational issue at this time, because quite simply, "behind the lists and numbers there are people who serve the public school for years and who are entitled to have job security and a clear professional perspective."
As stated by Mr. Konstantinou, "our main goal is to ensure that all teachers of indefinite duration, contract and substitute workers who come either from the list of appointees or from the list of appointees, who cover fixed and substantial needs of public education. No change can leave colleagues who are already serving exposed or lead to unemployment of people who have supported the public school for years."
Regarding today's meeting, Mr. Constantinou said that it will take place so that the educational organizations can exchange views and coordinate their actions. "Next Thursday, August 27, we have a scheduled meeting with the Minister where we will try to clarify some issues that remain blurred in the working document sent to us by the Ministry. On August 28, the C.D.S. of OELMEK will meet and will officially take a position on the proposal," he said.
The president of OELMEK also added: "Without wanting to prejudge the official decisions, it seems at first glance that the working text deviates from our basic position which is the non-victimization of any teacher, whether he is registered in the list of appointees or in the Lists of Appointees. Our goal remains an appointment system that will simultaneously serve meritocracy, transparency, adequate staffing of schools and fair treatment of all teachers."
OLTEK: To ensure the adequacy of teachers in schools
On behalf of OLTEK, its president, Panagiotis Lysandrou, commenting on the issue and the developments expected around it in the coming days, told "F" that for its organization it is important to ensure specific points, so that it can say "yes" to the abolition of the list of appointees. Specifically, as he said: "In the changes that will be made, we should have the assurance of the work and advancement of colleagues but also to change the way the exams are conducted.
This is to ensure the numerical adequacy of teachers in schools and not to create a gap as there is a risk of exhaustion of the lists of appointees. In addition, Mr. Lysandrou stressed the need for these examinations to be independent, as from the experience so far, distortions and injustices are recorded. "Only if the above is ensured, will we consent to the abolition of the list of appointees," said the president of OLTEK. It is noted that the meeting of OLTEK with the Minister of Education on the issue has been set for September 1.
Athena Michailidou: We gave a balanced proposal
It is recalled that the Minister of Education was asked about the issue a few days ago, in the context of a long interview with "F". As Ms. Michailidou had answered, the draft of the proposal given by the Ministry, "can – in cooperation – be strengthened and give the education system a structured appointment plan, without queues and exceptions. We want the appointment system to provide more quality and ensure operational sustainability, on fair terms." Also, the Minister had stated: "We gave a balanced proposal that ensures four elements:
1. Quality and meritocracy in the selection of teachers.
2. The adequacy of staff in all specialties and levels.
3. Respect for people who have already been working for a number of years and have gained substantial educational experience.
4. The access of new teachers to the profession".
