Unqualified teachers to be allowed to remain in schools under amendment

Some unqualified teachers will be allowed to remain in the Czech school system after the Senate on Wednesday approved an amendment making an exception for experienced teachers, specialists who have worked in a particular field and native speakers. Other teachers lacking the requisite certificate will be allowed to work at schools unable to find qualified staff. The legislation now requires the signature of the president. Education Minister Marcel Chládek said around 18,000 teachers had not fulfilled a requirement to acquire a qualification in a 10-year grace period and that without the amendment there would be a shortage of teachers.

Author: Ian Willoughby