Teachers in Bingöl Facing Challenges in New School Year
The new academic year began on September 9th, but schools in Bingöl are already experiencing a shortage of teachers, according to Murat Korluelçi, the president of the Education and Science Workers’ Union (Eğitim-Sen) in Bingöl. Korluelçi highlighted the issue of teacher shortages in schools across the region, particularly in Karlıova district.
He mentioned a specific school in Karlıova where only three people, including the principal, are left to manage both primary and middle school levels. Despite a population of 6,000 in Karlıova, there are 450 teacher positions allocated. However, between 30 to 50 teachers have been reassigned by the Bingöl Governorate, leaving schools severely understaffed. This situation is not unique to one school, as many others are facing similar challenges.
Korluelçi pointed out that teachers are being reassigned based on their affiliations with the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Education and Science Workers’ Union (Eğitim-Bir-Sen). He also highlighted the dire need for teachers in Bingöl, citing an official statement from the Provincial Directorate of National Education stating that there is a shortage of 500 teachers in the region.
Challenges Faced by Schools in Bingöl
In addition to the shortage of teachers, schools in Bingöl are grappling with various other issues that are affecting the quality of education. Many schools have been destroyed, while those that remain operational have resorted to reducing class hours to just 30 minutes per lesson due to the lack of teachers. This has had a detrimental impact on students’ learning experiences and overall academic performance.
Furthermore, as part of cost-cutting measures, schools located more than 30 kilometers away are not provided with transportation services. In cases where transportation is available, a single vehicle is responsible for picking up students from multiple villages, leading to delays and inefficiencies in the education system. The lack of teachers in remote districts has forced authorities to deploy teachers from central areas, leaving schools understaffed and relying on temporary teachers to fill the gaps.
Call for Action and Resolution
The situation in Bingöl calls for urgent attention and action from the relevant authorities to address the challenges faced by schools and ensure quality education for all students. The reassignment of teachers based on political affiliations is not only unfair but also detrimental to the educational system, as it compromises the quality of teaching and learning.
It is essential for the Ministry of National Education to prioritize the recruitment of qualified teachers in Bingöl and other regions facing similar challenges. Adequate resources and support should be allocated to schools to enable them to function effectively and provide students with a conducive learning environment.
In conclusion, the issue of teacher shortages in Bingöl is a pressing concern that requires immediate intervention to prevent further disruptions in the education system. By addressing the root causes of these challenges and implementing sustainable solutions, we can ensure that every student in Bingöl has access to quality education and the opportunity to fulfill their potential.
