Teacher’s Day: A Moment to Reflect on the Challenges and Opportunities in Education

Today, as we celebrate World Teacher’s Day, we pause to reflect on the vital role our teachers play in the development of our students and their future. Education faces challenges that require our attention and immediate action. Our teachers, reaching their maximum salary at 38 years of age, deserve a legal position that reflects their dedication and effort. The number of students per class must be reduced to ensure
an optimal learning environment and personalized attention. There is a need to invest more in digital platforms for teacher training, where they can continue to develop themselves and stay abreast of the latest developments in the educational field. The introduction of the ‘normjaartaak’ will be an essential step to ensure that our teachers’ workload is realistic, efficient, and manageable.

Workplace safety and additional insurance are in place to protect our teachers. We must embody and put into practice the true content of the word ‘inclusivity’ in our education. Language management, or ‘Comprehensive Language Policy Education 2023’, must be known to the entire community. At the same time, work must begin on the plan for preparation, training, and implementation. This aspect is crucial to ensure that each student can develop to their fullest potential.

We recognize the urgent need for subsidies for schools that cater to students with special needs and we ask for more attention to the infrastructure of our educational institutions. Additionally, the ‘throughflow’ procedure between basic education and secondary education must see change. The transition between the two levels of education is crucial for student development and, as such, must synchronize the core goals of basic education with those of secondary education as efficiently as possible, ensuring that each student can reach their maximum potential without unnecessary obstacles. We stand with our teachers today and always, recognizing their contribution and committing ourselves to improving their working conditions and the overall educational system.