Since the start of the school year, we have received numerous accounts from teachers facing disrespect from pupils or parents, situations where their authority is challenged, where they are victims of verbal or even physical violence, and where they end up self-censoring in their classrooms.
However, in order to make the profession more attractive or to avoid a mass exodus of young teachers, we must implement a structural policy aimed at improving the school climate. And that also means restoring authority and respect for teachers in their classrooms.
A respect barometer to objectively assess the situation
For too long, successive reforms have neglected teachers' needs, ignored their expertise, and failed to take their daily reality into account. The best way to address this and understand the conditions under which teachers carry out their duties is to listen to them and hear their accounts.
That is why Education Minister Valérie Glatigny is launching a survey targeting 130,000 teachers in compulsory education, social advancement education and ESAHR (part-time secondary art education) within the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, in order to objectively assess the situation on the ground. Currently, no statistics exist on this issue, something the Minister aims to address quickly.
Specifically, this involves a 25-question survey, which these teachers will receive by email and to which they can respond anonymously from 30 September to 18 October 2024. It is structured around 4 themes: the teacher and the pupil; the teacher and the parents; the teacher and the hierarchy; and the teacher and self-censorship.
An analysis of the results will then be carried out in collaboration with the administration, making it possible to propose concrete solutions.
A free helpline: 0800/95 580.
A free helpline is now available for all teachers who witness or experience harassment, violence or pressure leading to self-censorship.
This number is available Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and guarantees teachers' anonymity.