Dekker postpones the introduction of the teacher register for a year
State Secretary Sander Dekker of Education has postponed the introduction of the teacher register for a year. He decided this yesterday during the discussion of the bill in the Senate at the request of the PvdA. In all likelihood, Dekker will get a majority in the Senate for his bill.
“If we want to make this a success, precision will always take precedence over speed. It is not about going on with blinders, "said the State Secretary in the Senate. He shares the concerns about the feasibility with the PvdA faction in the Senate who, like the CDA and GroenLinks, have reservations about the time frame. Dekker: “I want a good start, which is why we are taking a little more time.”
The aim was to make teachers compulsory in the teacher register from 1 August 2017. That is now a year later. Also because school boards need more time to supply the correct data. However, this does not mean that the bill is completely off the table.
Participate
Yesterday it turned out that CDA, VVD, GroenLinks advise their groups to vote in favour. The PVV is also positive. Senator Jan Anthonie Bruijn (VVD) said: “The teacher determines his own quality forms. It is time for all teachers to participate in this.” The VVD senator thinks that a register can contribute to professional pride.
Senator Esther-Mirjam Sent (PvdA) emphasized that her group is in favor of the teacher register, but that she still has many concerns. For example, about the consequences for the legal position if teachers do not re-register. She asked for the introduction to be postponed because there is still too little support among teachers. Sent wants State Secretary Dekker to inform both Houses about the status of support at each new phase during the introduction.
Support base
The D66 faction wondered whether the bill is ripe for consideration in the Senate. There are still too many hooks and eyes. “The proposal raises too many questions about feasibility, among other things,” said senator Henk Pijlman.
Many political groups, including the PvdA, D66 and CDA, made a point of support among teachers. GroenLinks called this a 'point of concern', the CDA 'a risk'. For the debate, Teachers in Action (LIA) presented a petition with more than 28 thousand signatures of concerned teachers.
Dekker himself believes that support must grow and that changes are always accompanied by emotions and uncertainty. “The bill puts teachers in position, but they really want to see it first. It is good that there is now a ruling in principle about this register. We need a moment like that.” He considered it positive that a number of trade unions, including the AOb, and other teacher organizations support the bill.
The register of teachers is intended for 250 teachers who work in primary education, secondary schools and senior secondary vocational education. The Senate will vote on the bill next Tuesday.
