MEB Releases Guide for Project School Teacher Appointments Amid Controversy

The Ministry of National Education (MEB) has published its long-awaited guide for teacher appointments and administrator assignments to "project schools." This directive aims to streamline the process for these specialized educational institutions, which have become a significant part of Turkey's education landscape.

Applications will be submitted and managed through the MEB's official website. Candidates will be able to select educational institutions with open positions in their respective fields. The system also accounts for the possibility that filling these positions may create vacancies elsewhere, allowing candidates to apply for schools where they might be appointed or assigned.

The guide outlines a clear timeline for the appointment and assignment procedures. Candidates can withdraw their applications by submitting a petition to their current provincial directorate of national education. The Ministry will conduct the final appointments and assignments on a date specified in the appointment calendar, taking into account the preferences of the applicants.

This new guide comes after considerable controversy. The "project school" system, initiated as a pilot in a few schools in 2014, has expanded to over 2,000 institutions. While initially intended to enhance educational quality, the system has faced criticism for issues such as non-exam-based appointments, cronyism, and negative impacts on students. A recent crisis in April 2025 saw thousands of teachers from some of Turkey's most prestigious high schools removed from their positions or reassigned overnight, sparking widespread concern and protest.