Greek educators protest mandatory morning classes for kindergarten directors

Greek educators are protesting a new Ministry of Education directive regarding the operation of kindergartens for the 2026-2027 school year. The circular (Φ. 7/117097/Δ1/8-9-2026) mandates that kindergarten directors and heads must take on a morning class session.

Groups such as the Autonomous Network of Educators P.E. and the Teachers' Association of Primary Education of Sitia ‘O Mysos’ argue that this regulation contradicts existing legal frameworks. They point out that under Presidential Decree 79/2017 and Law 4823/2021, the allocation of classes should be determined by the Teachers' Association, with the director only intervening in cases of disagreement.

Critics claim the mandate undermines the autonomy of school units and interferes with the administrative and pedagogical duties of directors. They argue that a horizontal directive cannot override the specific needs and decisions of individual school associations.