Poland’s teacher unions accuse education ministry of bypassing law, violating teacher autonomy, and exceeding authority with new education proposals.
Forum-Education: Regulation Contrary to Law and Constitution
The Free Trade Union “Forum-Education” has negatively evaluated a draft regulation by the Minister of Education that changes teaching frameworks for public schools, as well as projects concerning changes to the core curriculum for preschool and primary education. Union members emphasize that the project tries to introduce legal solutions previously vetoed by the President, constituting an attempt to bypass legislative procedures through a regulation.
The union considers such action unlawful and demands the immediate withdrawal of the projects from further proceedings. Particular opposition is caused by the regulation’s interference in teachers’ methods of work, including imposing specific organizational solutions like a mandatory “project week.”
Education “Solidarity”: School is Not Therapy
The National Secretariat of Science and Education of “Solidarity” has presented an equally critical position, stating that the new curriculum project introduces a “new, dangerous concept of school functioning.” The union’s main controversy stems from expanding teachers’ duties to include student well-being, psychological resilience, and emotional self-regulation.
According to “Solidarity,” this shifts the teacher’s role toward that of a personal development coach or quasi-psychologist, despite schools not being therapeutic institutions and teachers lacking appropriate qualifications or support. The union warns this could lead to conflicts with parents, complaints, and legal disputes.
Five Main Criticisms of “Solidarity”
In the union’s view, the Ministry of Education project could transform schools into places of “permanent activism,” with basic program content taking a backseat. The union also criticizes the “scandalous work procedure” of allowing only seven days for consultation, which they see as a pretense of social dialogue.
Demand: Withdraw Projects and Return to Legislative Work
Both unions agree that further processing of the projects in their current form is contrary to existing law and threatens to destabilize the education system. “Forum-Education” and “Solidarity” demand the complete withdrawal of the draft regulations and the beginning of serious legislative work with real social consultations, respect for teacher autonomy, and appropriate funding for proposed solutions.
In response, the organizations have announced their intention to file an official complaint with the Chairman of the Council of Ministers regarding the Ministry of Education’s conduct of the work.