The congressman Alex Paredes, of Socialist Bencha bill was introduced to require teachers across the country to pass a psychological assessment as part of the teacher appointment process.
In this way, among the general requirements it would be ordered that applicants “enjoy good physical health and pass the mandatory psychological evaluation in the appointment application process, to practice teaching”.
The proposal indicates that the testing would be carried out by expert professionals and that it would include behavioral observation, psychometric and psychological tests and specific tests. In addition, it guarantees the confidentiality of the details received by the The Evaluation Commission.
This examination, which will be exclusive in nature “if psychological barriers that interfere with adequate teaching performance are determined,” will be under the responsibility of the Institute of legal Medicine. Applicants will be deemed “suitable” or “unsuitable”.
Another point of the initiative is that the teacher who does not succeed will be excluded from the competition. Only he or she will be informed of this unfavorable outcome and will have the opportunity to voluntarily begin psychological treatment in the Ministry of Health Mental Health Centres (Sometimes).
they specify that, in order to promote training, school directors will develop an annual plan in collaboration with related institutions, which must address issues such as sexual abuse, physical and psychological attacks, management of risk situations and promotion safe environments in schools.
To defend the proposal, Flores It is said that “in recent years we have seen how the behavior of some people has distorted the role of the teacher, with headlines describing aggressive physical, psychological and sexual behavior against students.”
Then, he informs that the Minister of Education, Morgan Quero, He said in april of this year that “a total of 85 people are being prosecuted for terrorism, drugs, sexual harassment and up to two murderers have been detected in schools.”
Currently,the Minedu he is running a teaching appointment competition. The full schedule for the Decentralization Phase is as follows:
- publication of the preliminary results of the decentralization Phase, through the application provided by the DÍOS: November 29, 2024
- Submission of claims, from applicants, about the score obtained in the Decentralization Phase, before the Evaluation Committee: from December 2 to December 10, 2024
- Settlement of claims, modification of the quality of the Decentralization Degree, in cases where the claims are substantiated, and issuance of minutes: from December 3 to December 16, 2024
- Publication of the list of applicants together with their final results of the Decentralization phase, on the Minedu institutional portal: December 19, 2024
Award at a public action at the UGEL
- Publication of merit tables for consideration by public action: December 27, 2024
- Public action to allocate places in the UGEL: from 2 January to 13 January 2025
- Publication of the list of award winners of the public event by the UGEL: January 14, 2025
Award at a public action in the DRE
- Publication of merit tables for consideration by public action: january 14, 2025
- Public act to allocate places in the DRE: from January 16 to January 20, 2025
- Publication of the list of public action award winners in the DRE: January 21, 2025
What are the potential benefits of implementing psychological assessments for teachers in education?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Educational Psychologist Dr. Clara Mendoza
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, dr. Mendoza! We’re excited to have you here to discuss a especially intriguing development in the education sector—the proposal set forth by Congressman Alex Paredes, which suggests that teachers should undergo psychological assessments as part of the appointment process. What are your thoughts on this?
Dr. Clara Mendoza (CM): Thank you for having me! This proposal is definitely a notable step towards ensuring that teachers not only possess the necessary academic qualifications but also the psychological resilience and emotional stability to perform effectively in the classroom.
TNE: It’s interesting that the bill emphasizes psychological evaluations. Could you elaborate on what kind of assessments would be included?
CM: Sure! The proposal outlines a comprehensive evaluation process that would involve behavioral observations and a series of psychometric and psychological tests.These would be designed to gauge various aspects of a candidate’s mental health and interpersonal skills, ensuring they are fit for the demanding role of a teacher.
TNE: It sounds rigorous. However, one concern might be the potential stigma associated with failing such an assessment.How can we navigate that sensitive territory?
CM: That is a valid concern. The proposal ensures confidentiality, which is crucial in minimizing stigma. Only the applicants themselves will be informed of their results. Furthermore, transparency regarding why these assessments are necessary—primarily to safeguard students and enhance learning environments—will be key in normalizing the practice.
TNE: That’s an critically important point. How do you see this affecting the overall quality of teaching in public universities?
CM: By ensuring that teachers are not only academically qualified but also psychologically prepared, we can improve the overall quality of education. Teachers who are mentally healthy and capable of managing stress are likely to foster more supportive and effective learning environments, which ultimately benefits students.
TNE: The proposal also mentions that applicants who do not pass the psychological assessment will be excluded from the teaching competition. Do you think this is fair, and how might it impact teacher recruitment?
CM: It’s a double-edged sword. While we want to ensure that only those who are fit to teach are entering the profession, outright exclusion can lead to a shortage of qualified teachers, especially in regions that are already underserved. It’s crucial to provide support and pathways for those who may struggle but have the potential to grow into effective educators.
TNE: That brings up an excellent point about support systems. Should there be measures in place to assist candidates who might need enhancement rather than immediate disqualification?
CM: Absolutely. Implementing mentorship programs and providing access to mental health resources could help candidates develop the necessary skills and emotional resilience over time. This would create a more inclusive environment while still maintaining high standards for teaching.
TNE: Lastly, what advice would you give to educational institutions considering this assessment process?
CM: I would recommend that they approach it holistically; integrating psychological assessments should be just one part of a broader initiative to support teachers. Institutions should foster a culture of mental wellness, where educators feel agreeable seeking help and developing professionally.
TNE: thank you, Dr. Mendoza, for your valuable insights on this timely topic! It’s clear that while there are challenges, the potential benefits of this initiative could greatly enhance the teaching profession.
CM: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how this unfolds and its implications for education in the future.