Students at Rouko Comprehensive School in Valkeakoski highlight challenges of teacher absences

Students at Rouko Comprehensive School in Valkeakoski highlight the challenges of teacher absences, particularly when substitutes are involved. Eighth-grader Julius Ahomaa commented that when a classroom is left unsupervised, students easily become distracted by their phones, indicating a lack of control without a permanent teacher present. Classmate Vivia Aho noted that effective substitutes need to maintain order and demonstrate knowledge, rather than simply being a temporary presence.

With the increasing frequency of teacher absences, schools often resort to employing substitutes, but the Local Authority and Education Union are at odds over whether these arrangements serve as a cost-saving measure. Recently, changes in guidelines from two municipalities have drawn attention; for example, in Seinäjoki, substitutes will no longer be hired during the first day of a teacher’s sick leave, except in emergencies. In Nokia, teachers’ absences of up to three days do not require hiring a substitute.

Concerns about these policies have been raised by the Education Union, as they could threaten student safety and learning environments, stressing that students have the right to a secure educational experience. Development manager Niku Tuomisto condemned the idea of using substitutes for an extended duration of absence, indicating that it prioritizes budgetary savings over student needs.

Nokia’s municipal principal, Kari Lähde, argued that existing practices allow for flexibility and ensure that classes are not left unattended. Meanwhile, union representatives claim that the trend of relying on substitutes is expanding beyond its original intention, putting students at a disadvantage.