By Ilias Karagiannis
The lack of applications to fill teacher positions in Greek schools abroad came to the forefront of politicians in Greece this week, following a question submitted to Parliament by Sofia Haido Asimakopoulou MP from the Greek Solution Party.
In the text of the question, the MP sounds the alarm about the situation prevailing in countries such as Australia, where teacher positions remain vacant, undermining the teaching of the Greek language to expatriates.
The question was submitted to Parliament following a letter sent by teachers, formerly and currently seconded abroad, to the competent Directorate of the Ministry of Education (Expatriate Intercultural Education in European and Minority Schools).
According to the question, which is addressed to the Minister of Education for ten countries – including Australia – no applications for the secondment of teachers were submitted for the 2024-2025 school year. This lack highlights a deeper problem in the staffing process of Greek schools abroad, as a result of which vacancies are increasing, despite the efforts that have been made to fill them through announcements.
The MP points out that, although 18 countries with staff needs were announced, the number of vacancies per country and region was not made public, which may have discouraged interested parties.
In addition, a significant increase in the revocation of secondments is recorded, while the Ministry is forced to spend high amounts on the recruitment of hourly teachers, an option that costs more than the exceptional secondment of staff.
Ms. Asimakopoulou asks the Minister to intervene immediately, specifically asking: “Do you intend to intervene so that the special invitation for the exceptional secondment of teachers is issued immediately, as provided for in paragraph 9 of article 6 of the Y.A. 83046/Η2/2020, in order to fill the vacancies that have not been filled so far?”
In addition, she states: “How do you intend to intervene so that teachers are in their positions at the start of the new school year in the Southern Hemisphere and that vacant positions in schools in the Northern Hemisphere are immediately filled?”
The lack of interest in filling teacher positions in Australia also brings to light a worrying reality: the weakening of Greek language education in the country.
Greek schools in Australia are a key pillar of preserving the language and cultural heritage for the community. The inability to staff them with appropriate personnel undermines this effort, with potential consequences for the connection of the new generation with the homeland.
The Greek language and the cultural identity of the community are at the heart of life in Australia. Greek schools are places where national identity is cultivated and ties with the homeland are strengthened.
The inability to fill the vacant positions endangers this project, demonstrating the need for direct interventions by the Greek state.
