Agenda Profile: Liina Kersna
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
Strong support for the education reform bill (653 SE), which is framed as a political necessity for stabilizing the teaching workforce and preventing the collapse of the education system. The main emphasis is on supporting unqualified teachers and increasing the certification and accountability of school leaders. The political position is primarily policy- and solution-driven, seeking opportunities to improve the bill.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
High level of expertise in education policy, particularly concerning teacher qualification statistics and specific legislative details (e.g., contract length, the formation of the certification committee). Cites specific national funding figures and programs (e.g., 7.7 million euros for universities, the Teacher Academy) and uses data (e.g., 70% of novice teachers are unqualified) to support arguments.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Analytical, detailed, and procedural, particularly when reporting on committee work, where both participants and the substance of the discussion are itemized. The tone is constructive and supportive, emphasizing the necessity of improving the draft legislation. It employs logical arguments supported by statistics and concrete policy mechanisms, for example, stressing the requirement for 25% of time dedicated to self-development.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Highly active in the legislative process, serving as the rapporteur for the Culture Committee regarding a significant education bill. They participate in detailed committee deliberations, question ministers and officials, and subsequently present comprehensive summaries of these proceedings to the plenary session. This pattern of activity indicates a strong commitment to the handling of the draft legislation and the improvement of its substance.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Insufficient data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Highly cooperative, emphasizing consensus-based decisions within the Culture Committee. Engages in constructive cooperation with the Minister and officials, seeking clarification and proposing amendments (e.g., regarding the issue of 3-year contracts for unqualified teachers). Demonstrates a willingness to continue the discussion concerning the solutions proposed by the committee.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely national, addressing the structure and personnel of state schools and municipal schools across all of Estonia. Specific regional projects or local issues are not included; the emphasis is strictly on the stability of the nationwide education system.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports significant national spending and investment in education and training programs (e.g., €7.7 million for universities, €4.2 million for the Teacher Academy) to address the teacher shortage. It considers investments in human capital (teacher training) critical for the stability of the system.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A strong focus on the quality of education and issues concerning the teaching workforce. An advocate for supporting vulnerable groups, particularly newly starting and unqualified teachers, emphasizing the necessity of mentorship, 25% dedicated time for professional development, and greater job security (a 3-year contract). Stresses the role of school principals in motivating teachers to obtain their qualifications.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on amendments to the Basic Schools and Upper Secondary Schools Act (Bill 653 SE), particularly concerning the teacher career model and the attestation of school principals. [The entity/person] is actively seeking to amend the draft bill to allow for longer contracts for teachers pursuing qualification, and is inquiring about when the related Professional Qualifications Act is expected to reach the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament).
4 Speeches Analyzed