Agenda Profile: Lauri Läänemets
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
The political position is supportive of the draft bill, emphasizing that the direction (teacher motivation and the career model) is correct. At the same time, critical, policy-based questions are raised regarding the minimum salary for unqualified teachers and the risks associated with new teachers entering schools. The speaker firmly supports the principle that qualification must be met with motivation and a higher salary.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in education policy, particularly concerning teacher qualifications, salary scales, and regional disparities. Technical terms are employed, such as "unqualified teacher" and "national minimum teacher salary." Reference is made to previous government discussions, indicating a deep background knowledge of how the issue has evolved.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and analytical, addressing the minister respectfully. The speaker poses logical and specific questions, focusing on the details of the policy and potential negative consequences (e.g., teacher shortages). The tone is concerned but constructive, seeking clarification regarding the provisions of the bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the first reading of the bill, posing clarifying questions to the minister. Previous participation in relevant government discussions is mentioned. The data is limited to two questions during a single session.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct confrontation; the criticism is aimed at the potential shortcomings of the draft bill, not the opposing parties. The speaker expresses concern from a national perspective to avoid problems with recruiting new teachers. There are no personal attacks, nor is the possibility of compromise ruled out.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach is constructive and supportive, emphasizing backing for the draft's principles ("we definitely support it"). The speaker references prior cooperation at the government level and seeks dialogue to find solutions to regional issues. They are open to considering the implementation of these schemes in other regions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker focuses heavily on regional disparities in education, specifically highlighting the situation in Ida-Virumaa and the higher salary scheme implemented there as a result of the transition to Estonian-language instruction. Emphasis is placed on the need to consider implementing similar schemes in other Estonian regions that are struggling to find qualified teachers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Support is given to differentiating salaries based on qualification and the complexity of the work, seeing this as a mechanism for motivation. Simultaneously, the necessity of maintaining minimum wage standards is stressed, even in the case of teachers lacking formal qualifications. The economic perspective relates to motivating the public sector workforce and ensuring fair compensation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is education, focusing specifically on teachers' career models, qualifications, and ensuring adequate staffing levels in schools. Particular emphasis is placed on the social and regional impact of the transition to Estonian-language education in Ida-Virumaa. There is also concern regarding the recruitment of new teachers into schools.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on supporting and clarifying the Act on Amendments to the Basic Schools and Upper Secondary Schools Act and the Vocational Educational Institutions Act (Bill 653 SE). The speaker supports the principles of the draft legislation but wishes to improve the law's provisions concerning the minimum salary and the recruitment of new teachers.
2 Speeches Analyzed