Israeli Election Candidates Debate Teacher Salaries, Class Sizes
Ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections, a panel discussion titled "The Status of the Teacher - Where To?" was held at Beit Berl College, bringing together political candidates to address pressing issues facing educators. The event, moderated by Liran Kojahinof, education correspondent for Kan 11 News, featured candidates Dvora Sharfian Bachar (Yashar Party), Mor Dekel (Yisrael Beiteinu), Michal Negri (Bichadash Party), and Dr. Nahaya Wishahi (Hadash).
Idan Ironi, a high school teacher and event organizer, emphasized the importance of placing educators' concerns on the election agenda, noting that the over 250,000 teachers represent a significant voting bloc. He stressed that teachers are the most valuable resource in the education system and must be involved in decisions about its future. Candidates discussed the heavy bureaucracy within the Ministry of Education, with one teacher quoted as feeling "the employer hates me." Negri acknowledged this sentiment, attributing it to an outdated ministry structure, and suggested simplifying salary slips and employing staff to assist teachers with payroll components.
Dr. Wishahi linked improvements to the Ministry's policy and the prioritization of education, suggesting that teacher unions are not exerting enough pressure. Dekel agreed, stating there's no magic solution but emphasizing the need to simplify salary statements. Negri also addressed teacher salaries, proposing that starting teachers could earn NIS 12,000 and advocating for per-child funding over per-teaching-hour budgets.
The discussion also covered reducing class sizes, with Dekel expressing a desire to lower the number of children per kindergarten to 20-25, acknowledging a current staff shortage. The integration of Arab teachers was raised, with Dr. Wishahi advocating for their employment and the acceptance of their identities, including Palestinian identity, within schools, noting instances of racism and violence faced by Arab teachers. Candidates also criticized the effectiveness and oversight of teacher unions, with some suggesting the need for alternative organizations for teachers to join.
Finally, Negri highlighted the necessity of vocational schools to prepare students for future professions, noting the challenge lies in convincing parents to enroll their children. Dr. Wishahi also touched upon the precarious employment of teachers in the "Hila" project, stating they need job security, though she stopped short of making specific promises for their unionization or improved conditions.
