The ongoing teacher shortage in Belgian schools has prompted urgent action, with new support measures coming into effect as of 2025-07-17 09:05:00. The Flemish government already allows schools to convert up to twenty percent of vacant teaching hours into points to hire supportive staff. Now, Brussels is expanding this system to better address its acute staffing crisis.
- Expand support measures for Flemish schools
- Allow Brussels schools 100% vacant hours use
- Enable early hiring of support staff
- Highlight acute teacher shortage in Brussels
- Stress short-term crisis intervention necessity
- Anticipate structural plan from education minister
Under the new proposal by Flemish Parliament member Hannelore Goeman (Vooruit), Dutch-speaking schools in Brussels can fill 100% of unfilled teaching hours with non-teaching personnel, such as care coordinators or educators. This change enables earlier recruitment from 1 September, rather than waiting until 1 October as in Flanders. Such measures aim to relieve pressure on existing teachers and maintain classroom stability.
How effective will these emergency measures be in tackling the deepening education crisis? And what more can be done to secure the future of teaching in Belgium? The answers lie in both immediate relief and long-term planning.
Why is this expansion necessary, and what does it mean for schools? The critical shortage in Brussels—twice as severe as in Antwerp or Ghent—demands swift intervention. Goeman’s proposal reflects direct feedback from school leaders who need immediate help rather than prolonged recruitment efforts. Key points include:
- Allowing 100% replacement of vacant teaching hours with non-pedagogical staff in Brussels
- Enabling earlier recruitment from 1 September, a month ahead of Flanders
- Providing extra hands to support teachers without compromising teaching quality
- Recognizing the measure as a short-term fix, with structural solutions pending
Looking ahead, the focus must shift to sustainable strategies. Collaboration with Education Minister Zuhal Demir’s upcoming structural plan is crucial to recruit more teachers long term. Meanwhile, Brussels schools can benefit immediately from these expanded support roles. How can policymakers balance urgent needs with future stability? The coming months will be decisive for Belgian education.
