The Ministry of Education is examining the creation of a closed recruitment list for teachers already employed in public schools through the current appointments register, as it seeks to limit the disruption that could result from the system's planned abolition in August 2027.
According to information obtained by Politis, the proposal has been raised informally during meetings with stakeholders and would involve transferring affected teachers to a closed list. However, in order to qualify for permanent positions, they would still have to pass the examinations required under the newer teacher recruitment system.
Although the proposal has not yet been formally presented, it is understood to be the main scenario currently under consideration. It has already sparked opposition from teacher unions, which are demanding full safeguards for educators who have served in public schools for years, without requiring success in recruitment examinations.
Concern among affected teachers is growing. Reactions on social media have multiplied, with many expressing fears that despite years of service they could lose any prospect of permanent appointment or even their place in the public education system.
"The register will be abolished"
Education Minister Athena Michailidou made clear on Monday that there is no question of retaining the appointments register.
She stressed that the decision was not taken by the current government but stems from legislation passed a decade ago.
"It is not us who are abolishing the register and leaving so many teachers exposed. We are not abolishing it. We are trying to correct distortions in the system," she said.
The minister acknowledged, however, that simply implementing the legislation without adjustments could create serious staffing problems in schools, as there is a risk there may not be enough teachers to fill vacancies.
She also recognised that educators who have been working in public schools for years could be negatively affected.
For that reason, the ministry is continuing consultations with teacher organisations and preparing amendments to address the issue. Michailidou declined to provide details, saying a comprehensive proposal would be presented to the unions within the next week.
She also rejected calls for an extension of the appointments register, noting that around 40,000 people remain registered.
"If we do not abolish it now and instead extend it by another two or three years, we will face the same problem again," she said.
According to the minister, the challenge is to find an appropriate solution for those who are already contributing to the education system.
Unions oppose the plan
The ministry's position conflicts with that of the education unions.
POED opposes the abolition of the appointments register outright, while OELMEK has warned that under current conditions and without meaningful safeguards, it will seek to preserve the existing system.
OELMEK argues that all educators currently employed as indefinite-term staff, contract teachers or substitute teachers with recognised service should be fully protected.
The union has already expressed concerns about the creation of a closed list if permanent appointment remains dependent on examination results.
The organisations are now awaiting the minister's written proposal, which they believe will determine whether there is scope for compromise or whether the issue is headed for a direct confrontation.
Two parallel systems
The appointments register is the older teacher recruitment system under which graduates are ranked based on the date they obtained their degree and other criteria.
The appointments eligibility list was introduced through legislation passed in 2015 and requires candidates to sit recruitment examinations.
During the transition period, appointments continue to be made from both systems.
Under current legislation, however, the appointments register will be permanently abolished in August 2027.
The key question now is who will qualify for inclusion on the proposed closed list, under what conditions, and whether the ministry's formula will genuinely protect the teachers who currently keep public schools staffed.
