Amsterdam primary schools to stop hiring freelance, temporary teachers

Primary schools in Amsterdam want to stop hiring external teachers, such as temporary workers and freelancers. The schools have agreed to only use teachers on a permanent contract. This is better for the quality of the lessons, said the schools, which have joined forces in the Broad Administrative Consultation (BBO).

Together, the schools have over 4,600 full-time jobs for teachers and support staff. Of these, approximately 5 to 10 percent are hired externally, amounting to around 200 to 500 jobs. In districts where the teacher shortage is greater, the percentage is higher. These external teachers have less of a bond with the other teachers and also take on proportionate responsibility, according to the BBO.

The deployment costs the schools millions of euros per year. “Every euro we save on external hiring, we can invest in the development of our own staff. With permanent teams, there is more cohesion, we can divide responsibilities fairly, and children have a familiar face in front of the class more often,” said BBO director Arie van Loon.

The decision applies to all public and special primary schools in Amsterdam, Weesp, Diemen, and Duivendrecht. According to the BBO, they were unanimous.

The deployment of external staff will not stop immediately, but will be phased out so that schools have time to change. Flexible staff could become permanent employees. However, the schools want to maintain “a flexible shell for temporary or unforeseen situations,” for example, by giving teachers adjusted contracts.

According to the BBO, the measure is separate from the government’s approach to fake self-employment. Schools have been talking about working towards permanent teams since 2023, the consultation body says.

The decision will ensure “peace, quality, and equal opportunities” in Amsterdam primary schools, Marjolein Moorman said. The Amsterdam alderman for education “fully supports” this course. “Every child deserves a familiar face in front of the class and a teacher who is connected to the school,” she said.