Lower House wants to relieve the workload of teachers
Several parties in the Lower House want measures to ease the workload in primary education. Classes must be smaller, there must be more educational supporters and less administration. The salary of primary school teachers must also be increased. Yet it did not come to concrete plans, because of the formation.
This became clear this afternoon during the plenary debate in the House of Representatives, where the public gallery was full of primary school teachers.
The House of Representatives agreed: teachers at primary schools are too busy. The SP, D66 and PVV pointed out the high burnout percentage in education. The administrative hassle, such as making reports, structural overtime and the low salary were points that several MPs pointed out. SP MP Peter Kwint argued for the abolition of the lowest LA salary scale. “That is a first step,” says Kwint, who also submitted a motion for this. The PVV is also in favor of abolishing this salary scale.
Good pay
The SP, 50Plus, the PvdA, D66 and GroenLinks, among others, specifically mentioned the smaller classes and better pay for teachers. Member of Parliament Kirsten van den Hul (PvdA) asked State Secretary Dekker of Education whether he would take a first step in the education budget when it comes to the wages of primary school teachers.
'Good pay is essential,' says Van den Hul.
During the debate, it was also about the mountain of paperwork that many primary school teachers encounter. Dekker repeated what he said earlier and called on the teachers present to stop making nonsensical reports. 'Enter into the discussion if it does not contribute to quality. Then stop, 'says Dekker. According to the state secretary, teachers should have a solid conversation with their school management.
Lump sum
Funding for education, the lump sum, was another point of discussion. The Chamber wanted to know whether van Dekker can prove that the funding would be adequate and whether it was properly spent. For example, Member of Parliament Michel Rog (CDA) asked whether the State Secretary knows how many schools still have money on the shelf. Dekker believed that school boards should be trusted and that the money really did not disappear into a big black hole. “That doesn't do justice to reality,” says Dekker.
Formation
During the debate, the MPs also knew that they would not come up with concrete plans today. Member of Parliament Paul van Meenen (D66) said that today they can do nothing for the teachers present. “We are in the formation process.” State Secretary Dekker also emphasized that he was there as outgoing State Secretary. “I understand that these are exciting times for education during the formation period. At the same time, I hope for understanding." Dekker therefore felt that the abolition of scale LA and the difference in wages between primary and secondary education are questions for the next cabinet. He made it clear that he is not in favor of taking any measures.
Next Tuesday, the House will vote on the submitted motions.
