European Trade Union Committee for Education

Empowering the teaching profession means providing the necessary resources in terms of staffing and budgets to allow education institutions to flourish, to provide the highest quality of education, and to play their role in broader communities to tackle the inequities exposed in society. Governments must introduce education policies that recognise the importance of teaching and the role teachers, trainers, academics, and other education personnel play in shaping the future. This entails increased pay and benefits for teachers, as well as recognition of their accomplishments and contributions to society. Teachers, trainers, academics, and other education personnel should be trusted with professional autonomy and academic freedom and invited to contribute to democratic collegial leadership practices. Education institutions should be sufficiently staffed and funded to attract those best qualified to the profession.

Teachers, trainers, academics, and other education personnel play a critical role in supporting students and communities, and policy makers should trust and empower them to provide quality education. This trust should be mirrored by parents, students, and the broader society. By taking pride in their profession, education professionals can fulfil their mission and provide their students with an excellent education that prepares them for the future. By empowering teachers, trainers, academics, and other education personnel and making teaching a valued profession, we can create a society where education and training are prioritised, and students are given the opportunity to reach their full potential.