Sicily teachers face penalties over part-time assignments

In Sicily, the application of provisional assignments is reportedly penalizing permanent special education teachers. Due to a restrictive interpretation of collective bargaining agreements by Provincial School Offices, the practice of splitting full-time teaching positions (cattedre) to accommodate part-time requests is being denied for special education roles.

Authorities claim this refusal is necessary to protect the right to education for students with disabilities. However, this policy means part-time teachers can only be assigned to schools where a 9-hour segment of a position is already available. If only full-time positions exist, teachers requesting part-time hours are being bypassed, often resulting in assignments to distant locations despite high scores and preferences.