Zeeland schools adjust schedules for heat and launch interprofessional teaching teams

During an extreme heat wave, primary schools in Zeeland, such as De Schuttershoek in IJzendijke, switched to a so‑called “tropical timetable”, ending lessons around 13:00 instead of the normal 14:45. The measures depend on the age of school buildings and the quality of air‑conditioning, with two‑thirds of Albero schools adopting the shortened day from 22 June.

At the same time, the Zeeland education system is reforming staff structures to combat a chronic shortage of teachers. Officials estimate a shortfall of about 50 full‑time teachers, rising to 60 by 2030, and are moving from the traditional single‑teacher model to inter‑professional teaching teams that include trainee teachers, pedagogical specialists, social workers and other professionals.