The education ministry has proposed significant changes to teacher evaluation procedures, introducing school principals as assessors alongside inspectors, a move that has divided the education community.
The preliminary proposal, now under review by educational organisations, outlines four key assessment criteria: professional knowledge and development, teaching and pedagogical competence, organisational and communication skills, and professional responsibility and conduct.
“The proposal has created two distinct camps within the teaching community”, a senior education official told philenews, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of ongoing consultations.
Supporters argue that principals, who interact with teachers daily, are well-positioned to assess performance.
Critics contend that close working relationships could compromise objectivity, citing concerns about potential favouritism or discrimination, including political bias.
Education Minister Athena Michaelidou is scheduled to meet separately with teaching unions late next week and early the following week.
The ministry will also present the financial aspects of the reform, a key consideration for educators.
The proposal additionally outlines a support system for underperforming teachers.
School principals and pedagogical advisors would identify teachers requiring assistance and implement three-month improvement programmes. If necessary, this could extend to a formal support programme lasting up to two years.
“The support programme would include peer observation, lesson planning assistance, and practical teaching sessions”, the ministry document states.
Teachers deemed inadequate after completing the programme would be referred to the Education Service Commission.
The unions are expected to present their formal positions to the minister during the upcoming meetings.
