There is only one positive side from which to look at the conflict between teachers and the Department of Education: it can finally put teaching at the center of the country's concerns.We are not facing another labor conflict, but rather the explosion of corporate discontent resulting from persistent social unrest that has settled in schools. A teacher told me, with her spirits crushed: “Teachers have to face very powerful demands without the corresponding resources. No one dares to say it because it seems like you are attacking inclusive education, but when you have children with behavioral disorders in the same classroom and students who don't understand you at all because they have just arrived, or you know that on the days you go on strike there are children who might miss a hot meal, you feel very unhappy”.For years now, the Catalan school system has been functioning with alarm bells ringing, and precisely for this reason it would be good for everyone to find the right tone. Starting with the Government, which cannot confuse a salary increase with empathy; but continuing with the opposition, because the three largest parties in Parliament have or have had governing responsibilities. And with the unions, which run the risk of losing the social support that the protests initially counted on. It would be the appropriate time to seek a great national agreement. And for this, leadership, courage to commit, and energy are needed to overcome the situation and get out of the loop of mistrust, errors, and complacency. Not many months ago, I wrote here – speaking of teachers, doctors, farmers, and mobility – that we were in national emergency. And this type of emergency can only be overcome with the effort and will of everyone.
