Agenda Profile: Liina Kersna
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic for Improving Teachers' Working Conditions" (373 OE)
2024-03-19
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The central theme is the improvement of teachers' working conditions and the creation of a career model, which is being addressed within the framework of the ongoing national Education Agreement negotiations. Kersna supports a cautious and comprehensive approach, emphasizing that in education, one should rather "measure ten times and cut once." He positions himself as a proponent of procedural solutions that are already underway in ministry working groups. The political stance is geared towards finding solutions through existing negotiation structures.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in education policy and the legislative process, providing a detailed overview of the discussions held by the Culture Committee. He/She is proficient in specific topics such as the teacher career model, the implementation of the differentiation fund, and the timeline for the Education Agreement negotiations. Kersna bases his knowledge on questions raised by ministry representatives and colleagues, demonstrating an awareness of the financial and organizational details.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, informative, and procedural, which is typical for a commission rapporteur. The speaker focuses on conveying the discussions and decisions of the Culture Committee, utilizing logical arguments and factual data (e.g., negotiation dates). A cautious tone is evident, emphasizing the necessity of avoiding haste when implementing educational reforms.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active member of the Culture Committee, appearing as the representative of the lead committee and providing an overview of the committee discussion that took place a week ago. He/She is familiar with the tight negotiation schedule of the Ministry of Education and Research (HTM), mentioning specific meeting dates (March 18, April 29, May 20).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct criticism aimed at the opponents; rather, it is noted that the issues raised in the draft resolution initiated by Isamaa have already been included in the negotiations for the Education Agreement. The criticism is indirect and procedural, emphasizing that solutions cannot be imposed top-down and that the completion of the working groups' efforts must be awaited. The opponents' approach to the topic is considered substantively overlapping with the government's ongoing work.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stresses cooperation and consensus, noting that the decisions made by the Cultural Affairs Committee regarding the handling of the draft legislation were consensual. He/She emphasizes the necessity of involving stakeholders from the education sector to reach agreements, particularly in the creation of the career model, which must be agreed upon with the sector itself. The speaker also refers to cooperation with the ministry and local governments concerning the secondary education network.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, dealing with the work of the Ministry of Education and Research and the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), along with the nationwide Education Agreement. Cooperation with local authorities on the topic of the vocational and general secondary education network is mentioned, but specific regions are not highlighted.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations focus on the financing of education, supporting the funding of planned changes (such as the career model) from the 2025 budget. The utilization and potential increase of the differentiation fund for the implementation of the career model are being discussed. It is acknowledged that the proportion of teachers with varying qualifications may generate different financial needs in schools.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social theme is the improvement of teachers' working conditions, compensation structure, and workload. The speaker supports resolving these issues through structured reforms and within the framework of the Education Agreement, in order to enhance the education system.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on Riigikogu Draft Resolution 373 OE, the aim of which is to improve teachers' working conditions. Kersna's role is that of the representative of the leading committee, ensuring the draft is processed and brought to a final vote, in accordance with the consensus decision. She monitors that the topics covered by the draft are included in the Education Pact and the 2025 budget.
4 Speeches Analyzed