Standing Up For Educators’ Rights Amidst Increasing Workload

The Union of Professional Educators (UPE) has recently raised concerns about the increasing workload of teachers in schools. Following our recent publication, UPE members have reported that school management teams are assigning teachers to time-consuming projects, detracting from their ability to deliver the curriculum effectively. Specifically, projects associated with Dinja Wahda and Birdlife Malta have become increasingly elaborate and demanding, shifting from being complementary resources to becoming mandatory responsibilities for teachers.

Furthermore, the UPE is addressing other issues brought forward by its members, such as the collection of money for educational visits, donations, and school-based activities. This additional administrative task is consuming valuable teaching time and adding to the responsibilities of teaching teams in the classroom.

“…projects associated with Dinja Wahda and Birdlife Malta have become increasingly elaborate and demanding”

In response to these concerns, the UPE has proposed the development of an online platform for parents to settle fees electronically, rather than sending money with the students. This initiative aims to prevent misappropriation of funds, lessen the burden of handling money for the teaching team, and enhance the accountability and traceability of financial management.

Consequently, the UPE has issued directives to its members which will come into effect on Thursday 25th January 2024, 

Members of the UPE are instructed not to participate in projects such as Dinja Wahda and Birdlife Malta, as well as similar initiatives organized by other non-governmental organizations. 

Members of the UPE are instructed not to handle any money collected for educational visits, donations, or school-based activities.

The union stresses that educators should not be burdened with excessive administrative work, emphasizing that they were employed as educators and not for administrative duties. UPE highlights the detrimental impact of the increasing workload on teachers’ well-being and cite school projects as a prime example. 

“… UPE is addressing other issues brought forward by its members, such as the collection of money for educational visits, donations, and school-based activities.”

The UPE is steadfast in its determination to prevent schools from engaging in competition that jeopardizes the physical and mental well-being of its members.

For further inquiries, UPE members are encouraged to contact the union via email at info@upe.mt or through phone calls at 99946582 or 21221252.