Pedagogical workers, social educators, Czech education law

According to Act No. 563/2004 Coll., On Pedagogical Workers, a pedagogical worker is any person who carries out direct teaching, direct educational, direct special pedagogical or direct pedagogical-psychological activities by acting upon a learner. Pedagogical workers are typically employees of a school (preschool, primary school or secondary school). They can also be employed by educational and social facilities. According to the law, direct pedagogical activity is performed by teachers in facilities providing further training of pedagogical workers, educators, special educators, school speech therapists, psychologists, leisure time educators, pedagogical assistants, trainers, prevention methodologists at pedagogical-psychological counselling centres or senior pedagogical workers. The position of a social educator is not defined by Czech law. Social educators working within a school context are classified as non-pedagogical staff, even though they have pedagogical training. In social services, a social educator may be employed as a social worker. In recent years, there has been increased pressure on including special educators within the scope of the law. Research shows that while they perform a necessary function, there is currently no political will to amend the law. The qualification requirements for individual pedagogical staff positions are again set by the legislation and described in Section 2 of the aforementioned Act.

According to Act No. 563/2004 Coll., On Pedagogical Workers, a pedagogical worker is any person who carries out direct teaching, direct educational, direct special pedagogical or direct pedagogical-psychological activities by acting upon a learner. Pedagogical workers are typically employees of a school (preschool, primary school or secondary school). They can also be employed by educational and social facilities. According to the law, direct pedagogical activity is performed by teachers in facilities providing further training of pedagogical workers, educators, special educators, school speech therapists, psychologists, leisure time educators, pedagogical assistants, trainers, prevention methodologists at pedagogical-psychological counselling centres or senior pedagogical workers. The position of a social educator is not defined by Czech law. Social educators working within a school context are classified as non-pedagogical staff, even though they have pedagogical training. In social services, a social educator may be employed as a social worker. In recent years, there has been increased pressure on including special educators within the scope of the law. Research shows that while they perform a necessary function, there is currently no political will to amend the law. The qualification requirements for individual pedagogical staff positions are again set by the legislation and described in Section 2 of the aforementioned Act.