Debate: Working conditions of teachers in the EU
Date: THURSDAY, 8 FEBRUARY 2024
Speaker: Iliana Ivanova
Language: EN

Teacher shortages are a serious cause of concern, which is shared by us all. This is also confirmed by the recent PISA results. Not even one Member State managed to improve their performance in basic skills. And if we are to contribute to a solution to this challenge, which is so important for our competitiveness, teachers are a fundamental part of the answer. That is why the Commission continues to strongly support the efforts of the Member States to tackle these complex challenges, and it is also one of the key priorities for me during this mandate. We have already dedicated several reports and studies to assessing the situation of teachers in all EU Member States. We have also developed a brand new indicators dashboard. This interactive online tool provides comparative information supporting Member States’ decisions regarding the teaching profession. The Commission also uses all policy and funding instruments at its disposal to support Member States in improving their school education systems, and in training and preparing teachers to meet their professional challenges. For example, the European Education Area Strategic Framework offers a forum for discussion and collaboration through its working groups, composed of experts nominated by the Member States and key stakeholders. These working groups have fed into several of our policy initiatives, and we can see some of this work in the many Council recommendations that underline the key role of school leaders, teachers and other educational staff. We also, of course, support Member States through funding. Both the European Social Fund and the Recovery and Resilience Facility invest in measures, reforms and investments supporting education, training and skills at all levels, including in the teaching profession. And, of course, our flagship education programme, Erasmus+, supports Member States by providing professional development opportunities to teachers. And then there are also the new Erasmus+ teacher academies. They aim to equip teachers to deal with common challenges, from inclusion and equity to digital education or sustainable development. Some 27 Teacher Academies projects have been initiated, exceeding the initial goal of having 25 Teacher Academies by 2025 and, given the interest, a new call has just been launched for 15 additional projects in 2024. Yet, in addition to resources and investment, recognition is also a fundamental part of our strategy. Besides this being reflected in many Council conclusions and recommendations, we have also launched the Innovative European Teaching Award 2021 to give credit to teachers for their work and to identify and promote outstanding teaching and learning practices developed through collaboration between schools within the Erasmus+ programme. Last but not least, the Commission is taking careful note of the coverage of the teaching profession when checking the transposition and implementation of the existing legal instruments related to working conditions and fixed-term work, including infringements addressed to a few Member States. Now, I am really looking forward to hearing your views.