Covid-19 and Education: How Education Unions are Responding
IV. How EI Can Support its Member Organisations As the global federation of educators’ unions, EI plays a unique role in mobilising the collective power of teachers and ESP the world over. This includes facilitating dialogue, communication and information sharing between its member organisations. As one respondent put it: It is extraordinary that there is communication and mutual support. We all need to know that we are not alone (ALMA MATER51, Romania) Beyond this, the responding unions highlight three key forms of support they would like from EI, as lockdowns and school closures continue in some countries, whilst other countries are preparing to implement lockdown exit plans and to re-open schools. Member organisations would like EI to: 1) facilitate communication with and between them; 2) share information, provide updates and – where necessary – conduct research as the Covid-19 health emergency continue to develop and government responses change and evolve; and 3) play a strong advocacy role for the teaching profession. The table below includes some examples of support that member organisations would like to receive from EI. Table 13. Type of Support EI Can Offer Type of Support EI Can Offer
Examples
Provide online learning and teaching resources Facilitate communication with & between member organisations
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Facilitate dialogue between MOs that have been ‘hit the hardest’ Facilitate peer-to-peer learning between MOs on platforms for digital teaching & learning
Federaţia Naţională Sindicală ALMA MATER
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