Zuhal Demir rejects Brussels premium to address teacher shortage

Flemish Education Minister Zuhal Demir has rejected the implementation of a 'Brussels premium' to combat the teacher shortage in the capital. Speaking at an event for Catholic education in the Basilica of Koekelberg, Demir argued that such financial incentives have proven ineffective in other countries and could create wage disparities with teachers working in the Flemish periphery.

Despite the rejection of financial premiums, educators expressed concerns regarding the severity of the shortage in Brussels. While the number of vacancies remains high, preliminary figures from Catholic education suggest the shortage is stable compared to last year. However, school leaders noted that many positions are being filled by lateral entrants or individuals without formal teaching diplomas, which impacts educational quality. In Brussels, only 59 percent of teachers held valid competency certificates in the 2023-24 school year, a significant drop from 72 percent in 2016.

School administrators highlighted that new policy choices, such as the introduction of language-focused classes, have increased the demand for staff, potentially draining resources from existing schools.