2,300 recreational educators in the federal capital of Vienna are currently trembling for their jobs. The federal government plans to change the training. The “Krone” spoke to several affected people who went on strike on Wednesday.
The federal government is currently preparing an amendment to the school laws. “If the government implements its plans as presented to us, it will simply mean the end of leisure education in Austria,” says Selma Schacht, chair of the Focus on Education works council.
Because the change not only provides for a new salary scheme, which can lead to a drop of up to 19 percent in Vienna in particular, but also a change in training. The Matura will be compulsory, the actual course will be shortened to half a year.
“We estimate that about one-third of recreational educators have a high school diploma,” reports Samuel Kammermeier. After all, this does not say whether one can work pedagogically with children. The leisure teachers ensure structured leisure activities at school. It is a creative profession, there are many career changers who find their vocation in it.
Like Ozlem Kayir. The 48-year-old gave up her job as a clerk in 2012. “The amendment will wipe out our profession,” she fears. Even the job title will be changed to assistant educator, who will join the federal government in the future.
For Michael Wagner, president of the parent association of the Alt-Erlaa primary school, the reform is a double blow: “In the future, the recreational educators should support teachers in teaching, without any relevant training. On the other hand, they shorten their actual education.”
The changed area of responsibility is also incomprehensible for recreational educator Roman Haas. “Study breaks are important for children. Our job is to design them creatively,” says the 31-year-old. And this is appreciated by children and teachers. Should the reform come into force, he will turn his back on the school for good. For education council member Christoph Wiederkehr (Neos), the current version of the amendment is “not yet mature”.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
