Education Reform Implementation: Reactions and Next Steps in Cyprus

Changes are expected in the Cypriot education system with the implementation of the new teacher evaluation plan. The Ministry of Education is starting the implementation of the legislation, while the educational organizations remain rigid, threatening to escalate measures.

The reform, described as the largest in the last fifty years, aims to upgrade school units and provide incentives for teachers. Cyprus is acquiring a modern evaluation system, aligning with European Union countries.

The enactment of the legislation marks a new chapter for education in Cyprus. The first step is the training of teachers, which is now mandatory. Also, the position of senior teacher is created, who will act as a mentor for new teachers.

The Ministry of Education and trade union organizations will form the Monitoring Committee, which will determine the service plans for the senior teacher and the criteria of the reform. The chairman of the Education Committee, Pavlos Mylonas, stressed that this is a living process.

The trade union organizations will decide after Christmas how to react, with the threat of escalation remaining. The Ministry of Education and Parliament have appealed for cooperation.