Argentina's education system overlooks its core: teachers

Argentina's education system is failing because it neglects its most crucial element: its teachers. While discussions often focus on investment, student performance, infrastructure, or technology, the core issue of how to teach better in the classroom is overlooked. This approach, critics argue, is putting the cart before the horse.

International research paints a stark picture of the teaching profession in Argentina. A recent Cippec study reveals that teachers earn less today than they did 20 years ago. Furthermore, the Global Teacher Status Index ranks Argentina 31st out of 35 nations in how societies value and respect teachers. Another OECD study places the country last, 80th out of 80, for school disciplinary climate. These findings directly affect teachers' work and their physical and mental health.

Testimonies from educators highlight a profession that feels "degraded" and increasingly risky. Reports detail violence from students and families against teachers, contributing to a sense of desperation. Despite these challenges, the system demands more from teachers while offering less recognition. This strategic misstep is evident when comparing Argentina's approach to global recommendations. McKinsey, Unesco, the BID, the OCDE, and the World Bank consistently stress that no education system can improve sustainably without placing teaching at the heart of its strategy. The quality of any system, they assert, cannot exceed the quality of its teachers.

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Ningún sistema mejora de manera sostenida si no convierte a la docencia en el centro de su estrategia.