The next two weeks mark one of the most decisive moments for Cypriot education, as the new teacher evaluation plan enters its article-by-article discussion in Parliament this Wednesday. The process begins amid a tense atmosphere, with disagreements, planned protests, and ongoing political manoeuvring.
The Cyprus Secondary Education Teachers’ Union (OELMEK) has announced a three-hour strike and demonstration outside the House, coinciding with the Education Committee’s session. Meanwhile, the Primary Education Organisation (POED) is meeting today to decide whether to take action as well. Pressure from both secondary and primary education unions has created a high-tension scenario ahead of the discussions.
The new evaluation system seeks to replace a framework largely unchanged since the 1970s. While previous attempts at reform have failed, this latest initiative is seen as the most comprehensive to date, though it faces strong opposition on key points.
Organisations at odds
The major unions, POED and OELMEK, have outright rejected the Ministry of Education’s proposal, while OLTEK has expressed partial opposition. The main sticking point concerns the role of school principals. Recent amendments, which assign the Monitoring Committee of the Reform - including union representatives - the final say on whether principals will evaluate teachers after a five-year transitional period, have not satisfied the unions, who consider the issue unresolved.
POED to decide
OELMEK’s planned strike and demonstration are set to affect secondary schools and technical colleges, raising pressure on lawmakers before substantive discussion even begins. POED meets today, with President Myria Vassiliou noting that the union “remains on high alert” and will determine measures based on Wednesday’s committee proceedings. Discussions are also expected about a broad meeting between all education organisations.
'Right to protest'
In the tense climate, Education Committee Chair and DIKO MP Pavlos Mylonas emphasised that proceedings will continue as planned. “It is their right to protest. From our side, we will act according to the Constitution and House rules,” he said. He added that the Committee’s aim is to establish an evaluation framework that genuinely benefits the education system, which faces far more serious challenges than teacher assessments alone.
Tight timeline
Despite the tension, the process must move quickly. The reform is part of Cyprus’ Recovery and Resilience Plan, with delays potentially incurring fines of up to €60 million. Key dates:
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19 November: Start of article-by-article discussion
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26 November: Completion of examination
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2 December: Plenary discussion and potential vote
Flood of amendments expected
Political parties are preparing a wave of amendments to address both technical issues and major provisions of the bill. Intensified consultations with stakeholders continued over the weekend, leaving the final shape of the legislation still open.
With a teacher evaluation system largely unchanged for 50 years and previous reform attempts failing, the coming fortnight will not only determine the fate of this bill but also shape the trajectory of Cypriot education for years to come.