Former Vice Minister of Education Adolfo Linares stated that changes to Panama's education system must begin with the renewal of the teachers' union leadership. He believes that over time, it has become politically and ideologically compromised, forgetting that its main objective is to fight for the well-being of students. In recent years, teachers have been used as 'pawns' to pursue their own interests.
Linares expects educators to join efforts to improve the education system because they are an important part of it. He proposed that the construction and equipping of educational centers be transferred to the mayor's offices and community boards, which are more familiar with citizens' problems. In this case, the Ministry of Education (Meduca) would act as a guide rather than the administrator of national public education.
'There can be no strikes or interruptions in the education sector; you can go on a hunger strike or hand out leaflets, but you cannot close schools,' he emphasized to Panamá América. The former official reiterated that amendments to the regulations from the first half of the last century can no longer be delayed; therefore, all parties must be willing to reach consensus, leaving aside personal ambitions to focus on those who are truly losing: the students.
He also indicated that it is necessary to bet on teachers being respected by students again, as some have lost this respect precisely by using them as 'hostages.' 'Whoever is good should not oppose being evaluated,' he said.
To end this 'seizure,' Linares believes one of the provisions that must be included in the new law is the prohibition of strikes in the sector. 'The teachers' union leadership must understand that it is the first that has to change; they are there to teach, not to criticize or make ideological slogans,' he affirmed.
In his opinion, teachers should submit to annual productivity and capability assessments to demonstrate that their methodology aligns with the needs of the 21st century, completely eliminating the training system they are accustomed to, which some have used to 'fill their resumes with fake diplomas' without any profitable result for the students.
