Education Update: Meeting Between Education Ministry and Unions on Teacher Competitions – Key Takeaways

Updates on School Competitions and Teacher Recruitment

On October 8, an important meeting was held between the Ministry of Education and Merit (Mim) and teachers’ unions, including Flc Cgil, Cisl Scuola, and Uil Scuola Rua.
This gathering addressed various issues, particularly concerning teacher competitions and the status of qualified candidates.

The Mim is preparing to announce a new competition related to the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Pnrr).
However, unions demand a permanent ranking for qualified individuals from the ongoing selection process linked to the first tranche of European funds.
Additionally, they are advocating for the hiring of qualified candidates from 2020, who are still waiting for permanent contracts.

Discussion on Current Teacher Competitions

As stated during the meeting, the Mim confirmed ongoing negotiations with the European Commission regarding teacher competitions and a requested increase in recruitment flexibility connected to Pnrr funding.
This flexibility may expedite the hiring process for candidates from previous competitions, specifically those included within the 70,000 positions associated with Pnrr procedures.

However, uncertainty looms for those qualified in the ongoing Pnrr 2023 competition, as no permanent list has been established.
Union representatives and precursors have expressed their dissatisfaction, demanding an official ranking system for potential hiring, which has not been ruled out yet.

Cisl Scuola’s secretary, Ivana Barbacci, pointed out the unacceptable reality that aspiring educators must repeatedly take tests they have already passed.
The new recruitment system associated with Pnrr proposes two additional competitive exams before 2026, requiring candidates to hold teaching qualifications to participate.

Future Plans for Teacher Employment

The Mim has also reported that by July, it aims to finalize new appointments to avoid delays observed this year due to updates in the Graduatorie provinciali per le supplenze (provincial rankings for substitutes).
Furthermore, it seems unlikely that these rankings will be updated again in 2025, despite requests from individuals pursuing teaching qualifications.

Regarding substitute teaching, the Mim emphasized the need for welfare policies to mitigate the issue of vacant positions, particularly in high-cost-of-living areas.

Confirmation of the Teacher’s Bonus

The Mim also confirmed that the Carta del Docente, providing teachers with a 500 euro bonus, would be reactivated starting October 14.
While discussions arose about reducing this amount, the bonus remains intact for permanent teachers.
However, this leaves precarious teachers at a disadvantage.

Teachers’ unions have urged the ministry to extend the Carta del Docente to include precarious staff, following recent legal decisions.
This change is essential, given that many precursors primarily need funding for training courses to qualify for upcoming competitions.