Kindergarten educator resigns following derogatory comments about the Latvian language in public
In the heart of Riga, Latvia, the teaching profession is facing scrutiny following a teacher's comments about language usage that have garnered public attention on TikTok. The teacher, who is fluent in Latvian and uses it at work, preparing students to start school in Latvian, expressed difficulties in using the language outside Latvia, specifically in Italy.
The comments, which were sarcastically criticized as "Horror! How is that possible?" in the published video, have caused controversy. The teacher's statements have been condemned by the Ministry of Education and Science (IZM) and Riga City Council, with both emphasizing that comments against the state language and its use are incompatible with the teaching profession.
The teacher's comments about the language usage outside Latvia may have raised concerns about their commitment to the teaching profession. However, it is worth noting that the teacher has performed her duties responsibly with no identified complaints or problems at Riga's 252nd preschool.
Teachers in Riga are expected to observe professional ethical standards outside working hours and outside the workplace, according to the Ministry of Education and Science (IZM). They are also expected to behave responsibly and loyally towards the state, as stated by Riga City Council.
The implications for the teaching profession in Riga include a requirement to balance instruction in Latvian with minority and international languages, reflecting the country’s linguistic diversity and historical context. There is also an increased focus on inclusive teaching practices that model democratic principles and respect for cultural heritage, aiming to develop engaged and well-rounded European citizens.
Moreover, teachers in Riga participate in European cooperation efforts, allowing them to exchange best practices and receive support through workshops and policy networks, raising professional standards and teacher wellbeing. They also face multilingual education challenges and opportunities, where they must effectively integrate Latvian language teaching while respecting the multilingual composition of the student body, including Russian and other minority languages.
The Riga City Council's Department of Education, Culture and Sports has already been in contact with the kindergarten's director regarding the teacher's comments. The Ministry of Education and Science (IZM) has also called on the head of the educational institution to assess the teacher's conduct.
This incident underscores the complex linguistic landscape that teachers in Riga must navigate, shaped by national language policy, minority rights, and European inclusion priorities. It also highlights the need for teachers to maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives, adhering to the ethical standards expected of them while promoting the state language alongside cultural and linguistic diversity.
- The controversy surrounding the Latvian teacher's comments about the usage of Latvian language outside Latvia has led the Ministry of Education and Science (IZM) and Riga City Council to emphasize that comments against the state language and its use are not compatible with education-and-self-development and teaching professions, where teachers are expected to uphold professional ethical standards even outside working hours.
- In light of the recent incident involving a Latvian teacher's comments about language usage, it has become increasingly important for teachers in Riga to navigate the linguistically diverse landscape while balancing the instruction of Latvian language with that of minority and international languages, promoting democratic principles and respect for cultural heritage, and maintaining a balance between their personal and professional lives in accordance with the ethical standards expected of them.
