The education ministry is fully prepared for the new school year, with new measures introduced to support pregnant teachers, both full-time and temporary. This announcement follows a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, where Education Minister Athena Michaelidou shared updates on the government’s commitment to enhancing equal rights and supporting motherhood within the educational sector.
- “Wherever there are distortions, we will fix them,” she assured, reflecting the ministry's resolve to address any disparities in the current system.
- The new school year will commence on Friday for high school students and on Monday for primary school students. Teachers have already returned to work this week to prepare for the influx of students.
“We continue to promote policies that enhance equal rights, respect motherhood and upgrade education,” Michaelidou stated in a post on X, emphasising the importance of these changes. The forthcoming amendment to the law aims to ensure that pregnant teachers receive equal treatment, particularly regarding sick leave, which will now be counted as part of their service.
“Wherever there are distortions, we will fix them,” she assured, reflecting the ministry’s resolve to address any disparities in the current system.
The new school year will commence on Friday for high school students and on Monday for primary school students. Teachers have already returned to work this week to prepare for the influx of students.
Michaelidou expressed confidence in the readiness of the educational institutions, stating, “The beginning of a school year is a procedure we know very well. We place emphasis on the educational material, for the books to be in place, for staffing not to pose too many problems.” With 800 schools across Cyprus, the ministry is prepared to tackle any issues that may arise.
Additionally, the minister addressed the ongoing discussions surrounding teacher evaluations. Although the ministry has proposed several suggestions, there remains a firm stance from the unions. “Nevertheless, the climate is good for us to go to the House together and discuss all issues so that we can bring about the change we all want,” she noted.
This dialogue is not limited to teacher evaluations but extends to professional development opportunities for educators, which are closely tied to the quality of education and the challenges faced in the sector.
