Schools must make agreements about social media and accessibility, but the right to dismiss teachers has not been established | education

After all, today’s mail, WhatsApp and Smartschool often frustrate teachers. For example, they sometimes receive messages after eleven in the evening, parents are angry that they do not answer quickly or students are given additional tasks too late.

So Weyts wants schools to make agreements about their digital communications. In this way, the times when students and teachers should be present can be determined. It seems that “Mutual expectations should be better aligned, because sometimes both students and teachers are dissatisfied”.

The framework should be developed in consultation with teachers, students and parents. They have to agree on keeping the flow of messages manageable, the timing of sending and responding to messages, the use of social media and accessibility in case of illness, vacation or part-time work, for example.

However, there is no general right to disconnect. Independence in making decisions remains with the schools. For example, it may be decided that staff in one school should be available until 5 p.m., in another school until 10 p.m., and in a third, 100 percent availability may be the norm. Agreements must be included in school and work regulations by September 1, 2023 at the latest.