Pay deal tackles lack of Dutch teachers

Dutch Education Minister Ronald Plasterk has reached a deal with teaching unions and school boards on how to tackle the threat of a shortage of teachers. The situation is considered most acute in secondary schools.

It has been agreed that teachers’ salaries will be sharply increased in the long term. It is hoped this will attract more young people into the profession.

The deal will see salary increases linked to the level of qualifications of individual teachers, who will be able to rise quicker through the pay scales. Older teachers will retain the right to spend fewer hours in the classroom.

The situation of teachers in higher education remains largely the same, and further education organisations have voiced their disappointment at the deal.

Source: Radio Netherlands, 16 April 2008