CRUCH public statement in support of the bill that modifies article 27 bis of Law No. 20.129 in order to regulate the requirements for admission to pedagogy careers and programs

We, the members of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH), express our support for the bill that modifies article 27 bis of Law No. 20.129, which aims to establish new criteria for admission to teaching careers and programs.

The Council recognizes the urgency of legislating to address a major structural challenge: the teacher shortage affecting our education system, which, if not addressed promptly and decisively, will limit the country's comprehensive development, particularly in strategic areas such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and the humanities.

The legislative debate has focused on increasing PAES (Higher Education Access Test) scores as an admission requirement for teacher training programs and an indicator of excellence upon graduation. However, centering the debate exclusively on admission scores unfairly simplifies the quality assurance process, which is built throughout the entire educational journey and through continuous academic support.

In this context, it is important to consider that universities offering teacher training programs have rigorous quality assurance mechanisms in place, both at the institutional level and within each program of study. Mandatory program accreditation and the application of instruments such as the National Diagnostic Assessment (END), overseen by the National Accreditation Commission (CNA) and the Ministry of Education, guarantee compliance with graduate profiles and high standards.

Our universities warn that the strict application of the criteria established in Law 20.129, without modifications, jeopardizes the stability of the teacher training system, exacerbating territorial inequalities and increasing the likelihood of program closures due to low enrollment. The greatest harm would be in the regions, especially in remote areas and rural communities. Consequently, this scenario would lead to the destruction of regional capacities for teacher training, with irreparable damage for the entire country.

The reality is clear: without regulations that allow for balanced, flexible teacher recruitment tailored to regional and disciplinary needs, the country will face a drastic reduction in teacher training, with negative impacts on educational quality and equity. This will affect not only coverage but also the quality of compulsory education and the training of future professionals who must respond to global and local challenges.

Therefore, we wholeheartedly support the proposals contained in the bill, which, along with regulating new admission criteria, includes comprehensive strategies for attracting and developing teaching vocations, aligned with international standards of educational excellence. We recognize that teacher quality is built throughout Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and that regulation must be a flexible, evidence-based mechanism that responds to the country's social, territorial, and educational transformations.

As CRUCH, we reaffirm our commitment to the “Agreement for the Future of Teacher Training in Chile,” signed earlier this year with the Ministry of Education. This agreement establishes a comprehensive plan to strengthen initial teacher training, promote teacher retention and professional development, and guarantee an admissions system that recognizes both academic merit and pedagogical vocation. This commitment includes promoting a modern, flexible, and equitable regulatory framework; implementing policies to attract, retain, and support the growth of teaching talent; strengthening collaboration between universities and schools during teacher training; fostering continuing education programs; developing a teacher certification plan to be implemented by accredited universities with Faculties of Education; and establishing monitoring mechanisms to evaluate the effectiveness and suitability of the reforms according to the needs of the country and its regions.

Finally, we urge legislators to move forward with the approval of this bill, understanding that legislating on teacher training is legislating on the future of Chile, its social development, equity, and competitiveness. The CRUCH is prepared to continue working collaboratively to implement public policies that will ensure an excellent teaching staff, committed and prepared to face the challenges of the 21st century.