The Malta Union of Teachers produced a number of proposals on Thursday which are to be presented to the Education Ministry in a bid to help solve the “crisis” in the educators’ profession.

Whilst the government has repeated that there are sufficient teachers to fill in the needed lesson slots, the teachers’ union has been adamant in their position that with the potential for more subjects being open for students to study there will be an even greater shortage.

Speaking at a press conference at the MUT offices, MUT Head Marco Bonnici insisted that the increase in the population of students in schools was one of the reasons that so much strain was being put on teachers.

In spite of the MUT saying that there will not be enough educators to keep up with demand, Bonnici maintained, there have been little policies put in place to address this situation.

Among the various proposals to be proposed, the MUT is to call for awareness campaigns that inform individuals on courses that lead to the educators’ profession and other calls for employment in the sector, and the removal of the numerus clausus for courses related to the educators’ profession. This includes the establishment of night classes for said courses.

Fiscal incentives are also to be suggested – such as increased stipends, to encourage students to take teaching courses.

Bonnici also insisted on an audit to be conducted to establish which working conditions lead educators to leave their positions, and, on the other side of the spectrum, he suggested incentives to encourage educators to continue working past the retirement age.

This also includes a version of the indemnity insurance which was given the disciplined corps earlier this month.

 

Government reaction

Reacting, the Education Ministry said it remains committed to promoting the advantages and value added in joining the education profession.

“The Ministry extends its invitation and looks forward to working with the MUT to achieve this aim. While retaining the current practice of meeting on a very regular basis with the MUT, the Ministry has already confirmed its availability in discussing the proposals put forward by the MUT, whilst the Ministry will also continue discussing its own proposals with the union. The Ministry is confident that through collaboration and positive engagement between all stakeholders, this issue can be addressed in a realistic and doable manner in the interest of both the profession and students.” 

The strong economic growth and job creation made it possible for the government to improve the income and career path of educators whereas before they were allowed to lag behind and remained at bottom of the professions in the public sector, the ministry said.