The Cyprus Teachers’ Union (POED) has been actively participating in discussions about the new teacher evaluation system, its president Myria Vasiliou told CNA, urging the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth to implement policies that will meaningfully modernise the existing system.
Vasiliou confirmed that a meeting regarding the new evaluation scheme is scheduled for next week.
The union has been submitting positions, suggestions and concerns, hoping the ministry will make policy decisions that help modernise the current evaluation system to meet modern educational needs.
“The issue of financial cost, which has historically been the main reason for the failure of previous attempts, should not become an obstacle once again”, Vasiliou stated.
She added that POED is also seeking immediate dialogue on other crucial issues including handling violence and delinquency, the new appointment system, optional all-day schools, and substitute teachers, to address problems affecting public schools.
The ministry is providing an initial framework document based on three phases: pre-tenure, post-tenure, and post-promotion periods.
The union has already submitted feedback on the first two phases during previous meetings.
Regarding POED’s general position on evaluation, Vasiliou emphasised the need for multiple evaluation sources and safeguards to prevent the system from becoming overly standardised.
The union will submit its positions in writing once the ministry presents a comprehensive proposal.
On handling underperforming teachers, Vasiliou stated that the union’s position is that they should receive system support first.
“In many cases, teachers can improve with proper support. Only in the small percentage of cases where no improvement is seen should there be an exit procedure”, she explained.
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