Public Statement of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH): Four commitments for strengthening teaching in Chile

16/10/2024
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In the context of the commemoration of Teacher's Day this October 16, the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH) recognizes and thanks the fundamental work of teachers in the training of new generations and in the construction of a fairer and more equitable country.

Today, more than ever, it is imperative to reflect on the crucial role of teachers in our society, given the growing shortage of professionals affecting our education system and demanding urgent responses.

In our role as advisors on public policy to the Ministry of Education, we have worked intensively in recent years to support the strengthening of initial and ongoing teacher training, recognizing that addressing the teacher crisis requires a comprehensive and coordinated national approach. Along these lines, in March we submitted the report "Teaching Changes Lives" to the Minister of Education, a document that identifies 24 critical issues in teacher training and proposes concrete actions to overcome these barriers.

Based on these proposals, we have prioritized four key areas that we consider fundamental:

  1. Analyze admission to teacher training programs

We believe it is crucial to conduct an in-depth analysis of the factors that influence young people's choice of teaching careers. In a context of teacher shortages, it is necessary to identify new strategies that attract talent to teaching, highlighting the transformative impact that being a teacher has on the lives of students and on the development of the country.

  1. Support programs that provide access to pedagogies

We recognize the fundamental role played by the access programs implemented by our universities, which have successfully attracted young people with a vocation for teaching. These programs represent a concrete opportunity to motivate students to pursue careers in education, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds or underserved areas. The CRUCH is committed to continuing to support and strengthen these programs, ensuring that more young people can find in teaching a path to personal and professional fulfillment.

  1. Review the accreditation criteria for pedagogies

We believe that the accreditation processes for teacher training programs should be contextualized within the educational reality, recognizing the territorial and cultural diversity of our country. It is essential that local needs and the specific characteristics of the environment in which teacher training takes place be considered.

  1. Safeguarding territorial equity

Finally, we believe that the situation of teachers must take into account territorial justice. It is essential to guarantee that teachers' working conditions, professional development opportunities, and salaries are equitable and fair throughout the country. CRUCH will work to promote public policies that recognize and value the effort and dedication of teachers, especially in the most isolated and disadvantaged areas.

To advance these commitments, the Council of Rectors, which brings together the most important universities in the country and which have a presence throughout the national territory, makes available its capacity for articulation to develop fundamental and applied research in the pedagogical field.

Finally, we reiterate our commitment to strengthening teaching and building an educational system that meets the challenges of our times, both present and future, to consolidate a more just and equitable society that fosters sustainable development.

 

Santiago, Wednesday, October 16, 2024