22-6-16  New provisions on educators’ children, lifelong learning, other issues

A legislative amendment to a law tabled by the economy ministry provides that an educator who is the parent of a child with a disability of at least 67 percent will be entitled to the same privileges [such as extra points to secure appointments] as teachers who are the parents of three or more children.

Another provision allows the ministry to assign a third teaching course to primary and secondary school educators. Such assignments will be based exclusively on academic and paedagogical criteria.

A special provision allows Islamic religious teachers (university education qualifications category PE 73) to receive transfers to religious schools in Western Thrace [locus of the Muslim minority of Greece], as long as they fulfil all formal requirements.

Moreover, the term of school counselors is extended through 27 February 2017.

Regarding the education ministry’s lifelong learning division, the new amendment provides for the creation of a Section of Education and Vocational Training at prison facilities.

It is also makes insurance arrangements for teachers of adult students at Lifelong Learning Centres (under the general secretariat of lifelong learning).  

There is also provision for the creation of foreign language training programmes by both private and public vocational and educational facilities.

Finally, new terms are set for the selection of deputy directors at IEK vocational schools, Second Chance Schools (SDE) and lifelong learning centres, so that tenured educators with relevant qualifications can serve as administrators as well.