Teachers under pressure/ Bodini: Fear and lack of anonymity undermine the credibility of the ‘TALIS’ survey

Beyond the official figures, the reality of Albanian teachers is filled with pressure and fear. Ilir Bodini, head of the teachers’ union for Kamza, revealed a troubling side of their daily lives during the morning show “Kafe Shqeto” on Syri TV. “When teachers share their concerns with us, they always end the conversation with the words ‘please, let this stay between us,’” said Bodini.

According to him, this atmosphere of fear has directly influenced the results of the TALIS survey. He denounced the fact that, during the questionnaire process, representatives of educational authorities and school principals were present in the rooms.

Ilir Bodini said: “I would start with a saying, as Ermali mentioned before the ’90s, when a wise man from the north, with a ‘bad biography,’ was asked, ‘Are you happy?’ He replied, ‘Yes.’ ‘Why?’ ‘No reason.’ If teachers were asked why they are happy, I’m sure they’d say, ‘No reason.’ Because such a survey an international one on teaching and learning does not really touch the core, it doesn’t truly examine the education system. And since this was the first time Albania participated in this kind of survey, it seems they rushed a bit too much, maybe to leave something for next time, because with these numbers now, the next time it’s done, they might show 150–200% improvement, which makes no sense.”

“First of all, teachers honestly, we measure and communicate with them every day we are their only guarantee in the pre-university education system, and they share their concerns with us. But the worst part is that, in the end, they say, ‘Please, let this stay between us.’ That’s an alarm bell. When someone begs for anonymity, it means they carry a deep fear inside, knowing what might happen if they speak up.”

“This survey, as far as I remember, was carried out in the spring of 2024. In Albania, what should never have happened did happen such surveys, polls, or indicators should not be conducted by the same institution about which participants are expected to express opinions. The state education center was the authority overseeing the survey in Albania, and a representative from that center or from SAP or the Ministry of Education was present in the room.”

“There were volunteers in the room, and even school principals were there, which morally and ethically should not have happened. Even if they were told to stay, they shouldn’t have. This severely compromises the credibility and integrity of the survey and its assessment.”

“Teachers were unprepared, while those monitoring the process may have been trained on how to supervise or control it. Teachers didn’t know on what basis they should respond, nor how to maintain their integrity without anyone approaching their computer while they worked.”

“KORÇA BOOM”