24.05.2024

Date: 21st May 2024

Attendees:

Representatives from the Ministry of Education: Mr. Romain Nehs (Director of Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education), Mr. Robert Hendel (Head of the International and European Offers Department at the Ministry of Education)

SEW/OGBL Representatives: Vera Dockendorf (spokesperson of the secondary school department of the SEW/OGBL) , Michel Reuter (spokesperson of the secondary school department of the SEW/OGBL), Sébastien Donjon (representative of international teachers at the SEW/OGBL) , Frédéric Krier (Central Secretary of the SEW/OGBL), Gilles Bestgen (Deputy Central Secretary of the SEW/OGBL), Estelle Malané (Member of the syndicate board of the SEW/OGBL), Guy Havé (Member of the syndicate board of the SEW/OGBL), ), Simone Bleser (Union representative at EIDE), Rachida Dahman (Union representative at EIGT), Jean-Marc José (Union representative at EIMLB).

Topic 1: Teacher Assignment to Language Sections

The Ministry of Education emphasized the priority of assigning teachers to the language sections for which they were originally hired. This initiative aims to ensure that teachers are utilized effectively based on their language proficiency. School administrations will receive reminders that teachers at international schools should not be required to teach languages in which they lack sufficient proficiency. The Ministry wants to analyse in how far this is currently a problem in the practice of the different schools. If this analysis confirms that there is a problem, the Ministry will analyse the legal feasibility of including a language clause in employment contracts. For the SEW/OGBL, this clause would guarantee that teachers are only required to teach specific languages, thus ensuring the quality of education and the well-being of the teachers.

Topic 2: Teaching Assignments in Secondary and Primary Schools

The discussion highlighted the circumstances under which teachers might be required to teach in both secondary and primary sections of international schools. It was agreed that such cross-level teaching should only occur in exceptional cases. When it does happen, the teaching hours should be adjusted to match the legally mandated working hours of the concerned school branch. Additionally, primary teachers holding a Master's degree and currently teaching in secondary schools are encouraged to request a transfer to the A1 salary category, reflecting their advanced qualifications and the responsibilities associated with their roles. The Ministry will examine whether a transfer from A2 to A1 is possible even in cases where teachers only have two teaching hours per week in secondary schools.

Topic 3: Responsibilities under Special Educational Models

A particular point of concern was the responsibility of teachers in special educational models, such as those implemented at EIMLB. In this model, certain students are allowed to leave the classroom and even the school premises. The question of teacher responsibility for these students during such times was raised. The Ministry committed to collaborating with the EIMLB school administration to develop a comprehensive solution that clearly defines the extent of teacher responsibility and ensures student safety without overburdening the teachers.

Topic 4: Different School Holidays at EIDE

The Ministry expressed doubts that the different school holidays at EIDE lead to additional work for the affected teachers and will investigate this matter further. Currently, the Ministry is in negotiations with Brussels to find a unified solution for school holidays at accredited European schools in Luxembourg.

Topic 5: Recognition and Funding of Language Courses

The Ministry will remind schools that language courses in the three administrative languages of Luxembourg (German, French, Luxembourgish) must be recognized by school administrations as official professional development. Additionally, if there are extra costs involved, such as language courses at the INL, these should also be funded by the schools. Furthermore, the Ministry thinks that in-house training possibilities should be promoted where this is possible.

Topic 6: Costs for Certification of Final Exams (A-Levels) at International School Michel Lucius

The Ministry is reviewing whether the €75 fee for the certification of A-Level diplomas should be covered by the Ministry. Currently, these costs are borne by the students themselves. Students at all other public schools do not have to cover such costs, as their diplomas are automatically recognized in Luxembourg.