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The Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH) published a statement recognizing and thanking the fundamental work of professors and calling on social and political actors to "increase efforts to address the teacher shortage crisis in Chile.".
The CRUCH (Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities) is committed to addressing four priority areas for teacher education programs: admissions, access programs, accreditation criteria, and territorial equity. This work will be led by the rector of UMCE (Universidad Mayor de Chile), Elisa Araya; the rector of PUCV (Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso), Nelson Vásquez; and the rector of UPLA (Universidad Popular de Playa Ancha), Carlos González.
In a public statement released this Wednesday, October 16, on the occasion of Teacher's Day, the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH) refers to the profession and states that it "recognizes and appreciates the fundamental work of teachers in the training of new generations and in the construction of a fairer and more equitable country.".
Then, he emphasizes that “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 advisory role on public policy to the Ministry of Education, in recent years we have worked intensively to support the strengthening of initial and ongoing teacher training, aware that the solution to the teacher crisis requires a comprehensive and coordinated national approach,” the statement continues. In this context, the report is mentioned. «"Teaching Changes Lives"», which identifies 24 critical issues in teacher training and proposes concrete actions to overcome these barriers.
Along with reaffirming its commitment to teacher training, CRUCH prioritizes four key areas in which progress is needed: the analysis of admission processes to Pedagogy programs, support for access programs for young people with a teaching vocation, the review of accreditation criteria for Pedagogy programs, and the promotion of public policies that favor territorial equity in the teaching profession.
“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,” the statement points out.
The CRUCH concludes the statement by calling on social and political actors to “increase efforts to address the teacher shortage crisis in Chile.” It emphasizes that “it is everyone’s responsibility to create the conditions for more young people to choose teaching careers.”.
Commitment of CRUCH and its universities
Regarding the relevance of the CRUCH declaration, the rector of the Metropolitan University of Educational Sciences (UMCE), Elisa Araya, commented that "the Council of Rectors and Rectors once again expresses its commitment to the training of the best education professionals so that they can fulfill this noble and crucial task.".
According to Rector Araya, “by outlining these four commitments, CRUCH, which brings together the best universities in the country and covers the entire national territory, is putting its research and innovation capacity to work to resolve situations that are hindering progress in Initial Teacher Training, with a perspective of territorial equity. More importantly, we are committed to working with Chilean teachers to dignify their irreplaceable work.”.
Along the same lines, the rector of the University of Playa Ancha (UPLA), Carlos González, stated that “on this day of commemoration, I cannot fail to mention our genuine concern about the teacher shortage in our country. We are convinced that our universities are capable of addressing this problem if we are also efficient and able to explore new mechanisms for admission to teacher training programs, for example, through preparatory programs or special admissions.” He added that “our concern is also focused on the existing regional challenges. We have areas and regions where there is a significant lack of qualified professionals, and therefore we must be able to find effective and rapid solutions.”.
Furthermore, González noted that “on this very special day, we recognize and value the work of so many teachers in our country, and their strategic role in the education and support of children and young people. We send our warmest greetings to all of them.”.
For his part, the rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso (PUCV), Nelson Vásquez, emphasized the role of universities in teacher training and its importance for the country's future. “Teacher training is a primary task of universities. If student teachers learn to teach effectively and achieve quality learning outcomes for their students, we will have a promising future, with students in the school system possessing cultivated talents. Undoubtedly, teachers are the great transmitters of knowledge and culture, those who shape future generations,” he concluded.
At the last CRUCH session in late September, the plenary agreed to create a working group to address the most urgent issues for the development of teacher training, in conjunction with the Undersecretariat of Higher Education. This group will be led by the rector of UMCE, Elisa Araya; the rector of PUCV, Nelson Vásquez; and the rector of UPLA, Carlos González.
See Public Statement HERE
Text: CRUCH Communications
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