The National Secretariat of Science and Education NSZZ "Solidarity" in Poland has approached the Minister of Education, Barbara Nowacka, demanding immediate legislative measures to address the difficult working conditions faced by teachers instructing students with special educational needs in mainstream schools. The union highlights the current legal framework, which they argue creates systemic inequality within the same professional group, as teachers in special schools receive additional compensation for working in challenging conditions, while their counterparts in mainstream schools do not.

The letter from the union emphasizes that teachers in special schools are recognized for the specificity of their responsibilities through additional benefits, contrasting this with the teachers in inclusive education settings. The union states that the work required of these educators is comparably challenging, involving significant psychological burdens and responsibilities. They advocate for equal recognition and benefits for all teachers who face similar difficulties in their roles.

This demand for legislative change aims to promote fairness among educators in Poland, as the union requests the Minister to acknowledge these disparities and act swiftly to implement legal frameworks that adequately compensate teachers operating under demanding circumstances. The outcome of this advocacy could potentially reshape the landscape of educational policy relating to teacher compensation and the recognition of their work, especially in inclusive educational environments.