Session Profile: Liina Kersna
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-06-18
Political Position
The political focus is heavily directed toward ensuring the stability of the education system and supporting teachers, particularly retaining those starting without formal qualifications within the system. The speaker vigorously supports extending the contracts of teachers starting without qualifications and guaranteeing them time for mentorship and self-development (25% of their working hours). These positions are primarily policy- and solution-based, emphasizing the critical need to prevent the collapse of the education system.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the details of education policy, particularly concerning teacher qualifications, the career model, the certification of school leaders, and the substance of draft legislation. Concrete statistical data is utilized regarding the level of teacher qualification (for instance, 70% of starting teachers lack qualifications) and precise figures detailing state investments (millions of euros) into teacher training. Specific proposals from working groups and references to invited experts at committee sessions are also cited.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, analytical, and constructive, focusing on facts and procedures, especially the detailed reporting of the Culture Committee's discussion. The speaker uses logical arguments, while simultaneously emphasizing the vulnerability of the education system and the need to support teachers. The tone is generally supportive and solution-oriented, expressing thanks to those who have dared to go in front of the class.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is a very active member of the Culture Committee, thoroughly reporting on committee sessions (e.g., June 3) and the list of officials who participated. Detailed questions are repeatedly posed to the Minister regarding the working group’s proposals and the timeline for draft legislation. This pattern of activity demonstrates deep involvement in the legislative process and continuous communication with ministry representatives.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct criticism aimed at political opponents or groups. The focus is instead directed towards solving systemic problems within education, rather than engaging in political confrontation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is open and consensual, emphasizing the consensual decisions reached within the Culture Committee regarding the further processing of the draft bill. The speaker expressed a desire to improve the bill even further in parliament and referred to questions raised by colleagues (Tõnis Lukas, Madis Kallas, Margit Sutrop), demonstrating the inclusive nature of the debate.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national education policy and systemic issues affecting both state schools and municipal schools. The role of the University of Tartu and Tallinn University in funding teacher education is mentioned. Specific regional or local topics are absent.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective is demonstrated by supporting national investments in education and teacher training, with specific figures cited (e.g., €7.7 million allocated to the University of Tartu (TÜ) and Tallinn University (TLÜ), and €4.2 million for the Teacher Academy). The goal is to stabilize the education system's workforce and ensure that professional qualifications are obtained with state support.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The core social issue is the quality and sustainability of the education system, emphasizing the need to support novice and unqualified teachers to ensure the development of children. The topic of the transparency of the certification of school principals is also addressed in the context of personal data protection.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on the amendment to the Basic Schools and Upper Secondary Schools Act, which concerns teachers' contract conditions and the certification of school principals. The speaker supports the draft bill and is actively initiating amendments, proposing longer contracts for teachers seeking professional qualification. Additionally, the timeline for the Professions Act reaching the Riigikogu (Parliament) is being examined.
4 Speeches Analyzed