Cyprus Education Minister defends teacher appointment proposal

Athina Michaelidou, the Minister of Education, Sport and Youth in Cyprus, has defended the Ministry’s updated proposal regarding the teacher appointment system. The proposal aims to create a balanced approach by allocating 50% of appointments from the closed register and 50% from the list of appointable candidates to meet staffing needs, with permanent status determined through ranking examinations.

Michaelidou stated that the Ministry is currently in a consultation phase and has provided educational organizations with one week to submit their written positions. She noted that while the Ministry seeks to consider all stakeholders—including new teachers, experienced staff, and parents—some unions appear to be seeking exclusivity for their members or automatic permanent status, which she noted is not standard practice within the broader public sector.

The Minister emphasized that the proposal is designed to be fair to both those currently working in schools and those who have already passed the required examinations.