Stef Dingemans

Time’s up

“And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I’ll say it clear
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain”

A few days ago, the TAUU-council met again. I wonder if this is the last session which I can attend, given that my contract will expire in the foreseeable future. As usual we were overflowing with ideas and short of time. It makes me happy to see this bunch of active and engaged colleagues work together in order to address important educational issues. Our focus this time was on the subject that affects me personally, the flexible (exchangeable) teacher. 

A topic that has been addressed multiple times in the past, resulting in minor adjustments, but that is nevertheless slowly becoming commonplace in academia. Interchangeable (hopping) teachers (draaideurdocenten) are the rule rather than the exception. Spending unbridled energy in internalizing new courses, methods, (social) networks and systems, while lecturing different courses and hoping to have time for research. To eventually start again elsewhere at the end of their contract. Likewise, the role of the teachers D4 is bitter and unsustainable. This group of usually young and enthusiastic teachers is widely used throughout the University and involved in numerous courses and educational related activities. They are the teachers on the frontline, without whose effort multiple educational activities and courses would come to a standstill. They are the teachers whose faces are familiar and that are approachable to students. They are the ones that ensure the connections between students and University and have the necessary antennae to meet the needs and identify the struggles of students. They develop, teach and reflect on education. They help, support and discuss with students. They give lectures, coordinate and organize courses. Thereby ensuring a necessary but minimal basic structure by which education is being carried out. Executing tasks and responsibilities which are not always part of their job description which is limited to providing regular educational components that have already been developed.

Nevertheless these teachers D4 and their interchangeable flexible colleagues usually perform these tasks (and more!) with great enthusiasm, energy and positive results. All hoping that their efforts, results and work has not been in vain and can be continued in a sustainable way, beneficial for all parties involved with heart for education. In spite of new collective agreement terms the door often remains closed and locked. Resulting in the recurring issue of draaideur-, en wegwerpdocenten, which form the raw material of the University’s ‘flexible shell’. As a result of which, countless gifted and talented educators and researchers disappear down the drain.

And of course, this is one of the issues that we as TAUU-council want to address and tackle! Starting with the inventory of our current goldmine of teachers who have recently left us, or those who see the finish line approaching. After all, then there is no escape anymore, time’s up and game over.

Do you belong to this (large) group of teachers, and are willing to share your story (anonymous if desired) and/or do you know anyone who might be interested in sharing their story? Then please send an email to s.dingemans@uu.nl. Momentarily we are developing multiple formats to share these personal proud, tragic, positive, cruel wonderful stories of which all are of importance to be heard and seen.

Stef Dingemans