Teacher reform risks larger classes, critics warn

A new reform designed to give teachers more time for instruction is facing criticism from municipalities and private schools, who fear it will result in larger class sizes. The reform, scheduled to take effect next autumn, aims to regulate teachers' work tasks to ensure they have more time dedicated to teaching.

Teacher unions have expressed jubilation over the reform, hailing it as a historic achievement. However, local authorities and independent schools are sounding alarms about potential negative consequences. They argue that the proposed changes could strain resources and negatively impact the learning environment by increasing the number of students per class.

The core of the reform is to clearly define and regulate teachers' responsibilities. The intention is to streamline their workload, freeing up valuable time that can be redirected towards actual classroom instruction. This move is seen by proponents as crucial for improving educational quality and teacher well-being.

Despite the union's support, the practical implementation remains a point of contention. The warning from municipalities and private schools highlights a potential clash between the reform's idealistic goals and the realities of school management and funding. The debate centers on whether the intended benefits for teachers and students can be realized without compromising class sizes.