Education in Flanders is under pressure: a severe shortage of teachers and the growing demand for innovative, research-backed teaching practices call for an urgent overhaul of teacher training programmes. The new Master's in Primary Education, offered by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Erasmushogeschool Brussel (EhB), is a necessary step to prepare primary education for the future. This course provides teachers with a flexible and advanced learning pathway, allowing them not only to enhance their classroom practices but also to elevate their school teams and the wider educational landscape. This opinion piece is written by Els Consuegra and Inge Placklé, Professors at the Multidisciplinary Institute for Teacher Education (MILO).
Why a Master's in Primary Education is essential
In November 2023, Flemish universities and colleges joined forces to launch a master's degree in primary education. While across Europe, master's level training for teachers is the norm rather than the exception, Flanders had been lagging behind. A report by the Education Research Support Centre (SONO) reveals that in 56% of European countries, a master's degree is mandatory for primary school teachers. This new master's finally brings Flanders in line with this standard and offers teachers a unique programme that equips them for the complex realities of today.
The teacher as a didactic expert
This master's allows teachers to specialise in evidence-based practices, meaning they draw on teaching strategies proven effective through scientific research. In Flanders, schools have considerable freedom in how they organise their education, which can lead to fragmentation. The new master's empowers teachers to make informed decisions and implement strategies that truly work, based on research. The focus isn’t just on subjects like Dutch in a multilingual context or mathematics, but also on a holistic view of children, incorporating areas like science, technology, and cultural awareness.
The teacher as a researcher and innovator
Teachers are also trained as research professionals, not only applying teaching practices but actively contributing to their development and improvement. Through practice-oriented research, teachers can identify problems in their school environment and seek solutions grounded in evidence-based insights. This not only improves quality in the workplace but also fosters a culture of innovation within schools.
The teacher as a 'teacher leader' in strengthening school teams
A common concern in schools is that the master's degree might lead to a brain drain, where teachers with a master's qualification seek roles outside of teaching. However, this new programme explicitly addresses the need for leaders within schools who can inspire, coach, and support their colleagues in creating powerful learning environments. These teachers act as bridges within their schools, sharing expertise, supporting colleagues, and connecting different teams, disciplines, and even external organisations. This role is crucial in strengthening primary schools in times of increasing complexity and diversity.
Inclusive education at the heart of the master's programme
The new master's also emphasises the importance of inclusive education, where every pupil—regardless of background or ability—is given the opportunity to grow and thrive. The course teaches teachers how to care for all students in a diverse classroom context and how to develop a curriculum that is both challenging and enriching for every child. This focus on inclusion is more relevant than ever today, offering schools the chance to truly make a difference.
A logical and essential step towards the future
At a time when education faces immense challenges, the new Master's in Primary Education is an essential step to strengthen the quality and resilience of Flemish primary education. Not only do teachers gain a stronger scientific foundation, but they also develop the skills to take on leadership roles within their schools. It’s an investment in the future of our education system and, more importantly, in the future of our children.*
Els Consuegra
Els Consuegra is a professor at VUB. She completed her PhD on gender-related aspects of teacher-student relationships and their impact on dropout rates in secondary education, as part of the "Teaching in the Bed of Procrustes" project. In addition to her research on gender-sensitive pedagogy and the feminisation of the teaching profession, Els is also a member of the editorial board of the Journal for Higher Education and vice-chair of the VUB Board of Governors.
Inge Placklé
Inge Placklé is a professor at VUB and PXL-University College in Belgium. She wrote her PhD- project on powerful learning environments in vocational education, with a focus on Project General Subjects. Her other research line is professional development of teacher educators.
*This is a machine translation. We apologise for any inaccuracies.