Freelance Teaching Model Phased Out in Amsterdam
The 230 primary schools in the Dutch capital Amsterdam have decided to gradually stop working with freelance teachers. This move aims to both reduce costs and ensure stability in teacher-student relationships. Arie van Loon from the Amsterdam Primary Schools Board stated that the decision is not related to government restrictions on freelance work, but that the main goal is to improve education quality. According to experts, freelance teachers often take on short-term assignments and cannot fully integrate into the school environment, making it difficult to build lasting relationships with students. Approximately 4,600 teachers work across the city, and 5 to 10 percent of them are freelancers. However, it is reported that this ratio is higher in areas with significant teacher shortages. As part of the new plan, current freelance teachers are expected to be offered permanent contracts. There are currently 723 teacher vacancies across the city. Officials state that permanent teachers contribute more to school culture and positively influence student achievement. This transformation is seen as an important step that could influence education policies across the Netherlands.
Click here for the source
