Teacher in Spain speaks out against the treatment of Early Childhood Education teachers: "If we desire reform..."
In a series of posts on his TikTok profile, Alejandro Mesa shares insights about his profession and experience as an educator. Beyond his personal journey, Mesa advocates for a significant investment in education in Spain, believing it could bring about transformative change in people and society.
Mesa, who is currently a kindergarten teacher in Ireland, highlights the importance of the early years of education, asserting that working with two-year-olds is the most challenging and crucial stage in the educational process. He believes that the issue of kindergarten teachers' working conditions in Spain is unfairly treated, and encourages everyone to support educators in any way they can, acknowledging that it is a challenging job.
In Spain, kindergarten teachers, often referred to as early childhood education teachers, must possess suitable formal qualifications, typically a degree related to Pre-school or Primary Education. The profession combines face-to-face instruction, practical exercises, and workshops to equip educators with the necessary skills. Working conditions, however, can vary based on whether the institution is public or private, regional policies, and the level of experience.
Research and European education policies underscore the importance of early childhood education, as it significantly impacts children’s future academic success, social integration, and personal development. High-quality early education promotes equity by supporting children from diverse backgrounds, helping to reduce future learning gaps. Countries with strong early childhood education systems tend to show better educational outcomes overall, and Spain aligns with broader European goals by fostering investment in this sector.
Mesa's comments come at a time when the issue of kindergarten teachers' working conditions is gaining attention in Spain. While specific data on Spanish kindergarten teachers’ salaries or working hours is not readily available, the EU framework emphasizes specialized training and professional standards for early childhood educators. Teachers in Spain, however, can consider themselves lucky if they make half of what Mesa earns in Ireland, working with fifteen or twenty children.
In Ireland, Mesa works with a maximum of six children, emphasizing the importance of the kindergarten stage in education, stating that it is difficult to teach someone whose brain is still developing until the age of six. He encourages everyone to be on the same team to support kindergarten teachers and educators, believing that unity is key to ensuring the best possible outcomes for young learners.
Family conversations might revolve around Alejandro Mesa's advocacy for improved working conditions for early childhood education teachers in Spain, as he believes this investment could significantly influence lifestyle and self-development for the next generation. The importance of early education-and-self-development, particularly in Spain, has been emphasized by research and European education policies, as it considerably contributes to children's future academic success, social integration, and personal development.
