Lack of Teacher Interest in Optional All-Day Schools in Cyprus

Optional All-Day Schools are set to begin next Monday, with POED (teachers union) expressing concerns about the lack of teacher interest. POED President, Myria Vasiliou, stated that part-time contracts do not guarantee a decent salary.

Mrs. Vasiliou emphasized the need for full-time contracts in Optional All-Day Schools (Elementary, Kindergartens and Special Schools) in order to generate teacher interest. She also mentioned concerns about the position of substitutes and the potential understaffing of school units.

In addition, Mrs. Vasiliou reiterated the need for the immediate operation of air conditioners in schools, stressing that their installation is not enough. She called for the acceleration of procedures so that the installation and operation of air conditioners in all classrooms can be implemented in May 2026.

The Ministry of Education is called upon to take responsibility and recognize the problem, according to POED.