The Teachers' Union Movement in Iran: A Comprehensive Analysis of Current Status, Formation Process, and Government Perspectives)

• In Event: Education Reform, Activism and Social Change

Proposal

The revolution of 1979 in Iran and the subsequent implementation of the cultural revolution plan had significant repercussions on the educational system. Many teachers who had played a crucial role in the revolution were dismissed from their positions and replaced by individuals from so-called "insider forces". Despite their instrumental role in the revolution's success, Iranian teachers encountered difficulties in forming a union and continuing their activism, leading to the decline of the teachers' movement in the political arena during the post-revolution period. This situation persisted until the late 1990s when new teacher unions gradually emerged in Tehran and some other provinces, marking the rekindling of the teacher movement.

From their inception, these newly formed teacher unions faced serious challenges from the government. Despite the obstacles, the unions managed to organize protest movements and mobilize Iranian teachers to voice their demands. Teachers have formed a confederation known as "The Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers' Trade Associations," which played a pivotal role in addressing issues related to teachers work situation and the overall state of public education in the country particularly since 2015. Notably, the peak of these protests occurred between 2021 and 2022 when teachers protested against the non-approval of the "Teacher Ranking Bill," resulting in the arrest of approximately 300 teachers during May and June 2022.

Since the inception of these teacher unions, it has been evident that they have faced various internal and external obstacles and problems. The challenges are often influenced by the nature and style of the teacher movement's activities, as well as external factors. External hindrances primarily emanate from the government's perspective and its handling of the teacher unions, which has been less accommodating and more restrictive.

Based on the above insights, this research aims to investigate how teachers' unions in Iran have evolved since the 1979 revolution, and what are the contemporary challenges they face in light of the historical formation process, as well as the government's viewpoint and approach towards their activities?)

Author

• Mohammad Darkesh, Tehran University