Agenda Profile: Madis Kallas
Draft law amending the Basic Education and Upper Secondary Education Act and the Vocational Education Institutions Act (director certification and teacher career model) (653 SE) - first reading
2025-06-18
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
Both speakers express moderate support for the draft bill concerning teacher certification and the career model, viewing it as generally welcome. Their focus is policy-driven, centering on implementation details such as the funding mechanisms for unqualified teachers and the valuing of qualified educators. They are seeking clarity regarding the rights and financial risks of local municipalities upon the adoption of the bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speakers demonstrate expertise in the field of education, particularly concerning teacher qualifications, career models, and local government funding schemes. One speaker specifically references pedagogical universities (e.g., Tallinn University) and is aware of regional salary disparities in teacher recruitment. They use technical terms such as "minimum rate" and "unqualified teachers."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is formal, respectful, and questioning, addressing the minister directly ("Dear Minister!"). Logical and policy-based appeals are utilized, focusing on clarifying legal rights and financial risks (such as the minimum wage). The style is rather concerned, as efforts are made to prevent the negative consequences of the draft bill from affecting smaller schools.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speakers actively participated in the first reading of Draft Law 653 SE on June 18, 2025, posing clarifying questions to the Minister. This demonstrates involvement in the legislative process. There is no information available regarding other appearances or activities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speakers are not directly criticizing or opposing the draft bill or specific groups; instead, they are looking for solutions and clarifications. Their objective is to mitigate risks that could arise from paying salaries to unqualified teachers or from the deepening of regional inequality.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style is collaborative and dialogue-seeking, communicating directly with the minister. One speaker clearly references a colleague’s earlier question, to which they return, suggesting the debate is being monitored and indicating possible internal coordination.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is evident, which highlights the disparity between Tallinn and smaller or more remote schools. The speaker points out the risk that new regulations, viewed from Tallinn, could negatively impact more distant schools, where the proportion of unqualified teachers is higher.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus narrowly on public sector labor costs and funding within the education sector. Concern is expressed regarding the right of local governments to pay unqualified teachers the base rate or even the Estonian minimum wage.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue revolves around the quality of education and regional equity in terms of teacher availability. Emphasis is placed on the need to value and prioritize teachers who hold formal pedagogical qualifications.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed at Draft Bill 653 SE, which concerns the certification of principals and the career model for teachers. The speakers are supporters of the bill, seeking to resolve issues of financing and regional impact during the first reading to ensure the smooth implementation of the law.
2 Speeches Analyzed