Every lesson requires more than just being present in the classroom. So we have to create good conditions for teachers. Sweden's Teachers now demand that each teaching hour should provide at least the same amount of time for pre- and post-teaching work. The older the students, the more time each teacher needs. Bo Jansson's government inquiry agrees. It also proposes reduced requirements for documentation and administration. Teachers must be able to spend their time where it really makes a difference: on the students.
Conditions for teachers a question of quality
This is not only reasonable – it is crucial. When teachers have time to plan, follow up and develop their teaching, the quality increases. The profession becomes more attractive. More people want to stay. Fewer people get sick. And the students – they get the education they are entitled to.
A stronger school makes for a stronger Sweden. Now political courage is needed. The government must act – and ensure that the money comes. Whoever invests in teachers invests in the future of the entire country.
Strong increase in support for banning profits in schools
Allt more Swedes want to stop profit-making companies from running schools. According to this year's SOM survey think 74 percent that it is a good proposal – a sharp increase from 63 percent by 2022It's a majority regardless of whether you're a right-wing or left-wing voter.
Anna Olskog, chairwoman of the trade union Sweden's Teachers, believes that public opinion shows that many people realize that the school system is not working.
– The market school creates unhealthy driving forces, erodes trust and leads to happiness ratings. It is a system that must fundamentally change, she writes in a email to Dagens Arena.
She points out that education should not be governed by profit requirements and private investors' returns.
– School should create knowledge and build democracy – not increase profit margins, she says.
Sweden's Teachers believe that any surpluses in schools should instead be go back to teaching, to support student learning.
– The Swedish people have thought this for a long time. The question is how long the politicians intend to turn a blind eye, concludes Anna Olskog.
Finance
For those who understand fiscal policy, money is never a financial shortage issue. The state can create the money if there are production needs, labor and natural resources. Taxes do not need to be higher for ordinary people. However, if society works, not the richest as much richer.
Totally agree!