Icelandic teachers call for education plan through 2036
Wednesday 7th October 2026 on 17:46 in
Iceland
The Icelandic Teachers’ Union is seeking broad discussions on the future of the country’s education system and a long-term plan through 2036, mbl.is reports. The union presented its vision for developing schools at a news conference on Wednesday.
Union chairman Magnús Þór Jónsson said the proposals were a starting point for talks with stakeholders, not a complete set of answers. The union wants to examine what Iceland’s school system should achieve and how it can be strengthened.
The union said schools face persistent teacher shortages, more diverse student groups, rapid technological change and rising demands. Artificial intelligence is also expected to change teaching and learning. It said the system needs a clear long-term vision based on knowledge, professionals’ experience and broad public agreement, rather than short-term fixes.
The vision covers education from preschool through upper secondary school, as well as music schools. Its priorities include a strong teaching workforce, inclusion and equality, varied learning pathways, literacy, curricula and teaching materials, class sizes and staffing, assessment, and funding that reflects schools’ actual responsibilities.
Improving literacy and reading comprehension is a leading priority. The union’s material says 44 per cent of Icelandic students in tenth grade do not meet basic reading-comprehension proficiency, according to the latest PISA results. It also says teaching materials need improvement.
The proposals do not specifically address extending the school year, an idea the education and children’s affairs minister presented to the government in the spring. Proposals introduced at the same time to restrict mobile phone use in compulsory schools and replace letter grades with numerical ones have already been implemented.
Jónsson said the union had maintained an education policy for more than 20 years, but believed recent public debate had created an opportunity to present teachers’ perspective. The next step is to seek discussions with the government, municipalities, universities, business representatives, students, parents and other stakeholders.