SNE urges swift action on educational challenges

Presenting their analysis of the coalition agreement, the teachers' union expressed concerns about the perceived isolation felt by teaching staff. President Patrick Remakel stressed the urgency of adapting the quota calculation method to bolster staffing levels. "No unnecessary time should be wasted on this point," Remakel said, warning of the potential risk of overwhelming staff, leading to burnout. The union contends that such a situation would not only affect educators but also have repercussions on the overall learning environment for all students in the class.

Curriculum development remains a priority

Prioritising the development of the curriculum, the union advocates for a collaborative approach, urging a "less is more" strategy. Recognising the limitations schools face, union representatives asserted the importance of having a clear document outlining specific learning milestones for children. This clarity, they argue, is also crucial for effective communication during review meetings with parents.

Addressing the linguistic challenge, the SNE continues to support the literacy pilot project in French. While welcoming the inclusion of a scientific analysis in the coalition agreement, the union insists on the critical and independent monitoring of the project. The evaluation's findings, the union asserts, should be made public and subjected to wide-ranging discussions.

"Inclusion has its limits"

While acknowledging the positive step of employing a second person in Cycle 1 (formerly known as nursery school) to improve child care, the teachers' union highlights a need for significant changes in the treatment of children with special needs. The SNE stresses the necessity for modifications to competence centres, not only in the best interests of the children but also to alleviate the strain on teachers. The union deems it unacceptable if procedures stand in the way of children with special needs receiving the help they need.

Inclusion "has its limits" in the classroom, according to the SNE president, who added that this statement is often misunderstood. The limit, Remakel explained, is the resources available to staff. As it stands, the union asserts that current conditions do not allow for the success of inclusion as envisioned.

The SNE regrets that no paradigm shift has been announced in the coalition agreement. The union urges a refocus on children rather than procedures. Remakel stressed the need to reduce administrative burdens to facilitate faster assistance for children.

Reforms needed regarding school reports

In addressing the issue of school reports, the trade union calls for improved clarity, criticising the wide variation in assessment practices among different regions and schools.

While the SNE sees no need for action in the operation of schools, it expresses surprise at the proposed changes in the coalition agreement and voices opposition to a pilot project with a single headmaster, asserting that the current system functions effectively.

Teacher training: SNE and government clash on educational standards

A significant point of contention arises in the realm of teacher training, where the perspectives of the SNE and the government sharply diverge. The SNE staunchly advocates for the retention of a Master's degree as a prerequisite for teaching, citing the imperative for the highest quality education for educators. Remakel underscored that the increasing demands on teaching staff in primary schools necessitate a robust educational foundation.

Expressing regret over the coalition agreement's allowance for alternative qualifications, the SNE insists on the non-negotiable stance of maintaining a Master's degree requirement.

Looking towards the future, the union expresses hope for constructive collaboration with the new government and in particular the old and new Minister Claude Meisch. The SNE is pleased that a number of the union's demands had been included in the coalition agreement. However, the union wants to wait and see how these points will be translated into action, recognising the potential for varied interpretations.

Despite these positive aspects, the teachers' union vehemently criticises the government's stance on not envisioning general recruitment at the Master's level. This remains a pivotal demand for the SNE, with the union making it unequivocally clear that they are unwilling to compromise on this point.