Teachers Union Head Calls for Sanctions on Violent Parents and Students

Yaffa Ben David, Secretary-General of the Teachers Union, attributed Israel's poor performance on the PISA exams to a severe teacher shortage, particularly in the Tel Aviv and Central districts. She stated that when teachers are assigned to subjects outside their training, student performance declines, with the most significant drops occurring in areas with the greatest shortages. Ben David criticized the Finance and Education ministries for dismissing earlier warnings about the shortage, believing the union was solely focused on salary negotiations.

Addressing the escalating violence against teachers, Ben David reported handling nearly 20 cases of extreme violence this year, compared to 80 last year. She emphasized that teachers lack adequate protection, facing verbal abuse and humiliation, which impacts their ability to teach. She specifically called for sanctions against parents and students who exhibit violent behavior towards educators and urged the Ministry of Education to support professional decisions made by school staff, such as student suspensions.

Looking ahead to upcoming salary agreement negotiations, Ben David acknowledged the union's reputation for strikes but noted that the Teachers Union has rarely used this measure in the past 20 years. She stressed that strengthening the teacher's status, increasing salaries, and granting educators both responsibility and authority are non-negotiable priorities.

Regarding a recent incident where a teenager was killed and 24 others injured by an unexploded ordnance during a trip in the north, Ben David stated that the Ministry of Education dictates the procedures for organizing trips. She indicated that an investigation would determine responsibility, but asserted that the ministry's established protocols are paramount.