San Marino Middle School teachers defend professional autonomy

The Teachers' Board of the Middle School in San Marino has issued a statement defending its decision to allow only first-year students to participate in the ‘SportInFiera’ event. The Board asserts that this choice was the result of internal democratic discussion and falls within their professional and didactic autonomy as provided by law.

The teachers expressed bitterness regarding the tension created by public opinion and institutions following the decision. They argued that attempts to delegitimize their choices undermine the democratic principles of the school system. Furthermore, the Board criticized the increasing trend of external projects being imposed on teachers, which leaves little room for educators to adapt content to the specific needs of their classes.

In their communication, the Board emphasized that professional autonomy is not a privilege but a necessary requirement for effective teaching. They also addressed the issue of online hate and media representations, stating that while criticism is acceptable, it must respect the roles, competencies, and dignity of the individuals involved.