Slovenia Ministry of Education proposes new teacher assembly

The Slovenian Ministry of Education, Science and Youth (MIZM) is drafting legislation to establish a teacher assembly. The proposed organization aims to strengthen the teaching profession by focusing on professional standards, continuous development, and professional autonomy.

Reports suggest that membership in the assembly could be mandatory for all educators, teachers, and professors, with a proposed monthly fee of 8 euros. While Minister Borut Rončević has framed the assembly as a vital step for the profession, the proposal has met significant opposition from the Union of Teaching, Education, Science and Culture (Sviz).

Branimir Štrukelj, Secretary General of Sviz, criticized the move as an arrogant political maneuver designed to create a false impression of consensus for school reforms. Conversely, Matija Horvat, principal and president of the Teacher's Association of Slovenia, has been a long-term advocate for the assembly, noting that similar legislative attempts have been made since 1996.