The House Education Committee completed the detailed examination of the new Teacher Evaluation System bill on Wednesday. Chairman Pavlos Mylona announced the legislation now heads to plenary for a final vote, expected 14–16 December alongside the tax reform package.
Directors’ role significantly reduced
- School directors contribute only 15% to the numerical score
- Inspectors handle the remaining 85%
- Safeguards added for appeals involving deputy directors
Committee members unanimously backed the 15% as a fair balance, arguing daily school leaders must have some voice in collective staff evaluation while preventing abuse.
New “senior teacher” mentor role introduced
A major addition: experienced “senior teachers” will guide newcomers and support others facing difficulties. The position lasts up to 12 years and is filled via objective service-plan criteria (details to be finalised next year). All parties accepted the innovation.
Core philosophy preserved
Education Minister Athena Michaelidou welcomed the “constructive and responsible” debate. “We stayed very close to our original vision. Most MP amendments do not distort the bill’s scientific basis or functionality,” she said.
Cost: ≈ €12.5 million, mainly for new inspector posts and mentor allowances.
Implementation delayed for fine-tuning
Full rollout begins 2028–2029, giving three years for adjustments through built-in institutional dialogue and a monitoring committee.
Political reactions
- DISY (ruling party) – Giorgos Karoullas: “Responsible reform after 50 years. Gaps fixed, time allowed for tweaks.”
- AKEL (opposition) – Christos Christofides: “16 critical issues deferred to future committees. Risks creating only turmoil and may never be applied.” Party to decide stance soon.
- DIPA-Alliance – Alekos Tryfonides: “Bold innovations for transparency and merit above all for children’s benefit.”
Chairman Mylona hits back at pressure
Mylona revealed receiving “threats and blackmail” over the bill but declared: “My conscience is the only thing that threatens or blackmails me. After half a century, parliament finally has a fair system. It’s unacceptable for MPs to tolerate intimidation.”
Also read: Closed-door talks continue on teacher evaluation system
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