Do Not Enter These Games, Esteemed Teachers. Organize to Refuse Certification. Sofia Hovsepyan

A disgraceful and shameful process took place, followed by disgraceful and shameful treatment toward all teachers. This was stated by former MP Sofia Hovsepyan on her Facebook page, addressing the theme of voluntary certification for teachers.

“The voluntary certification of teachers... What is hidden under this step that many did not notice? Recently, there has been active discussion about teachers' low salaries and the shamefulness of it, alongside the government's extravagance.

Everyone is well aware that the quality of education is not only about the poor quality of the program but also about the quality implementation of any program. Until now, most teachers have acted with great care and love, trying, within their means, to educate and create values among generations. However, in any case, they have always expected basic respect and treatment for their sacred work.

The absence of respect has always been apparent, as has the treatment, yet people expected a change in that attitude; however, a treacherous plan to silence teachers has emerged...

Every member of the government took it upon themselves to speak about voluntary certification, yet no one was interested in what it was and how it would be implemented. They created tests that did not consider numerous important factors. They came to say, ‘Do you want a higher salary? Then take the exam and fall into our trap.’ Who were those saying this? They were the individuals who reached that decision thanks to the very teachers.

A disgraceful and shameful process was conducted, followed by disgraceful treatment of all teachers. They initially talked about low indicators and later labeled the teacher as incompetent, suggesting that if they could not pass the certification, they should leave the profession. Again, during the government session, everyone, knowingly or unknowingly, disrespected the teacher, turning the session's hottest topic into this issue.

Currently, discussions are underway regarding the increase of prosecutors' salaries, and the monthly salary of the deputy prosecutor general exceeds a teacher’s annual salary, even as this prosecution service has failed the entire process. The prosecutor does not go for voluntary certification; they are gifted that salary, does not work hard, but creates or fails cases and still receives a high salary.

I consider this process another manipulation, where they came to say, ‘Be silent, teachers; we will not raise your salary because you have voluntarily fallen into our trap.’ By the way, a teacher of chemistry, who sends more than ten students to Yerevan State Medical University every year, was also dismissed, with the expectation that through voluntary certification, their salary would increase by 30,000 to 50,000 drams.

Do not enter these games, esteemed teachers. Organize to refuse certification and demand to be treated with respect and dignity. No high-ranking official has the right to disrespect you; remember, they occupy those positions thanks to you. Either you will be united, or you will be persecuted as always...