So shortly before the state elections in Salzburg, it would actually be time to discuss red-hot topics such as the urgent optimization of the framework conditions for the work of elementary teachers and to critically question the “free” kindergarten, but no, another grievance is pressing stands up for the committed women and men at the grassroots level in kindergartens.
We are increasingly confronted with uncooperative and disrespectful parents who only have their own child in mind and ignore the collective in a very drastic way, even blaming the elementary teachers for the behavior of their own children. Elementary teachers have to allow themselves to be insulted and kicked, they have to make umpteen interventions a day to de-escalate situations in everyday group life and the educational mandate, the valuable thing regarding our important work, recedes into the background. And if the elementary teachers then look for help and support from the responsible department 2, elementary education and childcare, they are rejected or put off and the hand is given to the demanding parents instead.
Another very painful proof that the elementary teachers are not only criminally neglected when it comes to the major issues of earnings, preparation time and group size, but also that there is a lack of basic appreciation and dealing on an equal footing.
This job, which was once a calling for many of my colleagues, is being phased out under these contemptible and cross-border conditions and the shortage of skilled workers will paralyze working parents. At some point, even the most good-natured will have their oven turned off!
Viktoria Wenninger, 5600 St. Johann im Pongau
