16 Mar '16

School principals want to abolish tenure system

Summary

A large majority of school heads in Flanders would like to see an end to tenure tracks, which limits their abilities to make staff decisions

“More control”

The majority of school heads in Flanders are no longer in favour of the tenure system in education, which sees teachers getting a permanent appointment after at least three years of service. The information was gathered in a survey by the umbrella organisation Education Secretary for Cities and Municipalities (OVSG).
 

About 450 head teachers were called on to fill in the OVSG survey, in which they indicated how they would prefer to employ their teachers. Only 21.8% of school heads chose the current tenure system, while 78.2% said they would prefer to offer teachers a normal contract.

“We have known for some time that more and more young teachers do not agree with the current  system because they feel that it hinders their careers,” OVSG director Patriek Delbaere told public broadcaster VRT. Young teachers often have to change schools because priority of placement is given to tenured colleagues. Delbaere is “very surprised” that school principals are also in favour of abolishing the tenure system.

“We didn’t ask for their reasons, but I think principals are unhappy that it’s so difficult to end a permanent appointment,” said Delbaere. Even when a tenured teacher receives poor evaluations, it is very difficult to dismiss them. “There are disciplinary or evaluation measures, but these rarely lead to dismissals; principals want to be more in control of their staff policy.”

OVSG has advised the government to organise debates on the system. Yesterday in the Flemish parliament, Open VLD’s Ann Brusseel suggested reforming the system, but education minister Hilde Crevits said she has no intention of altering the government’s standing agreement on education reform and the career trajectories of Flemish teachers.

Photo © ingimage

About the author

1 comment
Susanne De WitteIt is already difficult to keep good teachers because pay is not great but it is true that tenure makes things difficult when you have a bad teacher. There should be some provision made where tenure can be ended for under performing teachers but I would like to see the teachers rewarded that work hard for their students. We have been fortunate with some of the best educators in our area that have gone above and beyond for their students and they often go unrecognized.

Add comment

Log in or register to post comments

Now read this

Educational system

The Flemish educational system is divided into two levels: primary (age six to 12) and secondary school (12 to 18). Education is compulsory for children between the ages of six and 18.
Types - There are three educational networks in Flanders: the Flemish Community’s GO! network, and publicly funded education – either publicly or privately run.
Not enough space - In recent years, Flemish schools have been struggling with persistent teacher shortages and a growing lack of school spaces.
No tuition fees - Nursery, primary and secondary school are free in Flanders.
1

million school-going children in 2013

30

million euros Flemish education budget for new school infrastructures in 2013

11

percent of boys leaving secondary school without a diploma

  • Education in Flanders
  • Secondary education reform
  • European Encyclopaedia on National Education Systems

Related articles