The Italian State appoints teachers via a long and complicated series of competitions which result, for "successful" candidates, in their names being placed on a list according to a points system. Then they wait - and wait - to be offered a post. Many find themselves working for years without remuneration, agreeing to do so because every year's work they do allows them to add more "points" beside their name in the list. Their "luckier" colleagues, meanwhile, may be offered temporary contracts which are sometimes, but not always, renewed each academic year. This can go on for long periods before these teachers are offered permanent work.
Pity, then, a gentleman from Catania who has been waiting for a permanent teaching job for .... 36 years. "Time", as a friend of mine here is fond of saying, "stops at Messina".
4 comments:
That is as sad a tale as I've heard.
I have friends like that here in Puglia . . . every year, if they are lucky they are sent to a new school or schools, in any corner of the region, without knowing how long they will work there, what conditions they will find there, etc.
It's the most amazing system. Can one like this sort of socialized bueaucracy?
Isn't it just, Carmen? Hi, Saretta. Yes, same situation down here. Mad. Hi, James. No, but no one thinks it can be any different!
Post a Comment