New filter for teaching applicants
The proposal, according to the document presented by Flores, considers the modification of article 18 of Law No. 29944which governs the requirements for applicants for the teaching profession. The new requirement would establish that applicants must:
- Enjoy good physical health.
- Pass psychological evaluation which determines their ability to teach.
The examination, which would be exclusive in nature, would be conducted by specialized professionals and supervised by the Institute of Forensic Medicine. This would be included in the evaluation behavioral observation, psychometric tests y specialized psychological teststhat their results would be classified into only two categories: “suitable“o”inappropriate“.
Applicants who do not pass this filter could be automatically excluded from the process, although the confidentiality of the results would be guaranteed.In addition, Flores suggests that these teachers can access free psychological treatment in the ministry of Health Mental Health Centers (Minsa)allowing them to participate in future competitions once the identified difficulties are overcome.
Justification of the proposal
Alex Flores argues that psychological evaluation is an indispensable tool to prevent serious incidents within the education system. “In recent years the behavior of some people has distorted the role of the teacher. The news headlines showed cases of physical, psychological and sexual assaults on students, which is unacceptable,” said the conference.
To support his initiative,Flores cited statements by the Minister of Education,Morgan Quero,who revealed that in 2024,Prosecution of 85 people for crimes such as terrorism,drugs,sexual harassment and even murder within the country’s educational institutions.
Training for a safe environment
The bill also proposes additional measures to strengthen the education system. Directors of educational institutions must a annual teacher training planin collaboration with various institutions, which include subjects such as:
- Prevention of sexual abuse.
- Management of physical and psychological attacks.
- Identification and response to risk situations.
- Promoting safe school environments.
The objective,according to the conference,is for teachers to have solid tools to face the challenges of the school environment,promoting a healthy and safe educational community.
Reactions found
Alex Flores’ proposal sparked intense debate in the field of education and politics.Although some sectors support the initiative as a necessary measure to improve the quality and safety of the education system, other sectors question its implementation and the potential ethical implications.
To Roberto Carranzaa specialist in education policies, the measure could be effective provided that it is indeed executed with technical rigour. “It is imperative that these evaluations are conducted by trained specialists and conducted under ethical standards that respect the privacy and dignity of the applicants,” he said.
Some critics have said, however, that this proposal could be an additional barrier to teaching candidates, especially in a context where the system is already facing.shortage of teachers in some regions of the country.
The current schedule of the teaching appointment process
Although this legislative initiative is being discussed,the Ministry of Education (Minedu) continues with the schedule of the teaching appointment 2024.Key dates include:
Degree of Decentralization
- Preliminary results: November 29, 2024.
- Claims: From December 2 to December 10, 2024.
- Complaint resolution: From December 3 to 16, 2024.
- Final results: December 19, 2024.
Award at UGEL
- Publication of merit tables: December 27, 2024.
- Allocation of places: From January 2 to 13,2025.
- List of winners: January 14, 2025.
Award in DRE
- Merit Charts: January 14, 2025.
- Allocation of places: From 16 to 20 january 2025.
- List of winners: January 21, 2025.
A commitment to Peru’s educational future
The bill presented by Alex Flores seeks to generate structural change in the teacher appointment system, establishing new standards to ensure that teachers not only have academic skills, but also the psychological balance necessary to face the challenges of the classroom class.
While its approval could be a step forward in the professionalisation of the sector,it also poses importent challenges in terms of implementation,resources and acceptance by those involved.
The debate on this proposal is set in a context where Peru is facing complex educational challenges, and the quality of the teaching staff is always a key factor for the growth of future generations. Will this project be the beginning of a transformative reform or a measure that will create new divisions in the education system? Only time and legislative discussion will tell.
How will the changes in teaching standards affect student safety and well-being?
TIME.NEWS INTERVIEW: The future of Teaching Standards in Education
Interviewer (Editor): Good afternoon, everyone. I’m [Editor’s Name], the editor of Time.news, and today we have the pleasure of speaking with Alex Flores, a key advocate behind the recent proposal to implement new psychological and physical health requirements for teaching applicants. Welcome, Alex.
Alex Flores: Thank you for having me!
Editor: let’s dive right into it. Your proposal suggests modifying Article 18 of Law No. 29944 concerning teaching applicants. Could you elaborate on the importance of good physical and mental health for educators?
Flores: Certainly! Teachers play a crucial role in shaping young minds,and it’s essential that they are in good physical and psychological health. We believe that when teachers are healthy and mentally prepared, they can provide a safe and enriching surroundings for students. This ensures that they can handle the complexities of classroom management and the emotional needs of their students effectively.
Editor: That’s a valid point. The proposal also includes a psychological evaluation that would classify applicants as “suitable” or “inappropriate.” What led to this approach?
Flores: The recent years have seen unsettling incidents in educational institutions, with reports of teachers involved in serious misconduct. This includes physical, psychological, and even sexual assaults on students. It became clear that we needed a preventive measure to ensure that only those who are appropriate for the role are allowed into the classroom. The psychological evaluation, conducted by specialized professionals, aims to filter out individuals who may pose a risk to students.
Editor: It sounds like a notable step towards safety in schools. Can you explain how these evaluations will be conducted and the role of the Institute of Forensic Medicine in this process?
Flores: Absolutely. The examinations will be carried out by licensed professionals, and their oversight will be ensured by the Institute of Forensic Medicine. This autonomous body will help maintain the integrity and reliability of the assessments, which includes a combination of behavioral observations, psychometric tests, and specialized psychological evaluations.
Editor: And what happens to those who don’t pass this evaluation?
Flores: Applicants who do not meet the criteria can be excluded from the selection process. However, their confidentiality will be maintained.Importantly, they will have access to free psychological support through the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Centers, allowing them to address their challenges and participate in future competitions once ready.
Editor: That’s a compassionate approach to support those struggling. The need for training for educators is also emphasized in your proposal.Could you tell us about the training plans proposed for school directors?
Flores: Yes! The aim is to create a safer and more supportive educational environment. School directors will need to develop an annual teacher training plan that covers crucial topics like the prevention of sexual abuse, strategies to manage physical and psychological attacks, and early identification of students in distress. Incorporating these subjects into training ensures that educators are well-equipped to foster a safe environment for all.
Editor: These measures could potentially transform our education system. As you mentioned, the statistics from minister Morgan Quero reveal concerning rates of misconduct in educational settings. How do you foresee this proposal impacting these statistics in the long run?
Flores: Our hope is that by setting higher standards for who can enter the teaching profession, we will effectively reduce incidents of misconduct. With rigorous selection processes and ongoing training, we aim to create not just a safer environment for students but also one that promotes the well-being of teachers themselves.
Editor: That’s certainly a commendable goal. As the discussion around education evolves, what do you envision for the future of teacher qualification and student safety in the coming years?
Flores: I envision a future where teaching is not only about imparting knowledge but also about ensuring the holistic well-being of both students and educators. A comprehensive framework, like the one we propose, has the potential to lead to a much healthier, more respectful, and productive educational environment.
Editor: Thank you, Alex, for your insights. It truly seems that these proposed changes could be a pioneering step toward a safer and more effective educational landscape. We appreciate your time and dedication to this significant cause.
Flores: Thank you for the prospect to discuss this vital issue. I’m hopeful that together we can foster meaningful change in our education system.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for joining us today. Stay informed on this critically important topic!