# Turkish education policy and labor reforms > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-education-policy-and-labor-reforms > Updated: 2026-08-13T14:45:04.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Turkish Education Minister Yusuf Tekin has addressed both administrative labor issues and broader systemic reforms within the national education sector. Regarding labor, Tekin defended current contract teacher policies, noting that since 2016, shortages have been managed through lesson-based pay without permanent tenure. He stated that current legislation prevents direct appointment of contract teachers to permanent posts. Additionally, the ministry is reviewing requests for a formal base-salary scheme for private-school teachers, while investigating reports of delayed payments and social security irregularities. On the policy front, Tekin announced reforms centered on the ‘Türkiye Yüzyılı Maarif Modeli’, which seeks to shift from rote learning toward talent-based education. This initiative includes increasing school diversity through thematic models, such as specialized schools for sports like volleyball, basketball, swimming, and cycling, as well as dedicated music schools. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-13: Yusuf Tekin announces talent-based education reforms in İzmir Turkish Education Minister Yusuf Tekin announced reforms in İzmir, focusing on talent-based thematic schools and a new curriculum designed to prioritize practical skills over rote learning. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yusuf-tekin-announces-talent-based-education-reforms-in-izmir ### 2026-08-05: Turkish Education Minister Yusuf Tekin Defends Contract Teacher Pay Policies Education Minister Yusuf Tekin defended Turkey's contract‑teacher pay system and said private‑school teachers' base‑salary demands are under review, citing current laws and budget constraints. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-education-minister-yusuf-tekin-defends-contract-teacher-pay-policies --- Cite as: Turkish education policy and labor reforms. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-education-policy-and-labor-reforms