New requirements for teacher qualification
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, information briefing
Date: 2024-06-12 15:40
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 7m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The first part of the discussion addressed the topic of teacher qualification requirements. The question was posed by Riigikogu member Vadim Belobrovtsev, and the discussion centered on how language and pedagogical qualification requirements align and how this affects the shortage of teachers in schools. A concern was raised during the debate that teachers who obtained their pedagogical higher education before 2013 but started teaching later must undergo additional qualification confirmation. For this purpose, they are directed to the Kutsekoda Foundation, where they are required to pay a fee, complete courses, and submit a portfolio. It was also emphasized that the overall problem of teacher shortage will not be solved if inexperienced teachers or teachers who meet the language criteria face new bureaucratic requirements when entering the workforce.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made during these current talks and discussions. Based on the evident topics and criticism raised, it was agreed that ensuring quality and competence remains a priority, and no changes to the qualification requirements are currently planned.
Most Active Speaker
The role of the most active speaker was filled by Vadim Belobrovtsev (Member of Parliament). He posed both clarifying questions and approached the topic from a critical perspective, highlighting the effectiveness of teacher qualification requirements and the potential for solutions. His position: other (neither left- nor right-wing).
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Riigikogu member Vadim Belobrovtsev is addressing Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas with his fourth question today, concerning the new requirements for teacher qualifications.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev criticizes the fact that, against the backdrop of the growing teacher shortage, the government requires pedagogues who have started working in schools and who obtained their pedagogical higher education before 2013 to undergo qualification confirmation through the Foundation. This process involves paying 185 euros, taking courses, and compiling a portfolio—requirements that could push teachers away from schools.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas said that since 2013, a master’s degree and a teaching qualification have been required for teachers, and there are no new requirements. However, the application process for the qualification and the confirmation of pedagogical competencies will be monitored more closely than before, via school governing bodies and school principals.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked them and asked Vadim Belobrovtsev to present a clarifying question.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev asks whether it is reasonable that people invited to the school who meet the language requirements but do not possess a pedagogical higher education degree can sign a one-year contract, while those in the second group—who *do* have a pedagogical higher education degree—are required to take an exam or undergo attestation and pay for it, and how these two sets of criteria correlate with each other.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Kristina Kallas confirmed that the qualification requirements for Estonian teachers are very high, and no one can become a teacher without acquiring and demonstrating pedagogical competence. This is because all aspiring teachers must verify these competencies, and the instruction provided must meet contemporary pedagogical objectives.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gave his thanks and asked Aleksei Jevgrafov to pose an additional question.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksei Jevgrafov is asking the minister in the Riigikogu for the latest information regarding the number of teachers who have successfully passed the language exam and the number of teachers currently lacking as of today.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas stated that the most up-to-date data is currently unavailable, and the number of teachers who took the April exam was approximately 30 to 40. However, a record number of teachers registered for the C1 and B2 level exams held on June 8–9, and the results are currently being awaited.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Thank you. We have exhausted the list of questions registered for today.