The Cypriot Parliament has officially approved a comprehensive new teacher evaluation plan, a development hailed by the government as a significant step towards modernising the nation's education system. This legislation, which also includes updated regulations for public primary and secondary schools, was passed by the House of Representatives after extended discussions. The transformative decision is scheduled to begin its implementation phase immediately, with a gradual introduction across public educational institutions.
This new framework, which has been the subject of prolonged debates for months, was adopted through a majority vote of 29 in favour, with 18 deputies voting against it. Subsequent amendments to the plan also received substantial parliamentary support, with 29 representatives backing the changes and 17 opposing them. Importantly, proposals suggesting that school principals should not have a final say in teacher assessments were ultimately rejected by the parliament. Conversely, an amendment requiring principals to consult with an assistant principal before evaluating teachers was successfully integrated into the legislation.
President Nikos Christodoulides described the decision as a transformative reform designed to empower and foster the professional development of educators. He stated that the initiative aims to enhance the quality of teaching practices, thereby ensuring better learning outcomes for all students. Education Minister Athena Michaelidou echoed these sentiments, confirming the Ministry's full commitment to supporting teachers and their organisations during the system's rollout. She emphasised the Ministry's solidarity with educators facing the daily challenges of public education.
The driving force behind this significant reform is the recognised need to modernise the Republic's educational infrastructure and to strategically invest in the nation's future. It addresses persistent demands for fundamental changes in school operations and teacher appraisal methodologies. Supporters believe the new system will provide a strong foundation for professional development and a more structured evaluation process. This ultimately aims to improve the entire educational ecosystem.
However, the reform has encountered considerable opposition from some professional bodies. Representatives from the Cyprus Primary Teachers’ Association (POED), including its President Myria Vasileiou, have expressed significant reservations. POED contends that the finalised system contains inherent flaws and was enacted without the explicit consent of the teaching profession. Concerns have been articulated regarding perceived "gaps and ambiguities" within the legislation, particularly regarding the decisive role principals will play in teacher assessments. Despite these concerns, the government views this legislative achievement as a historic development with the potential to profoundly reshape Cyprus's education system.