The Danish Teachers Union wants two educators in every primary school classroom to address growing discipline issues. Union chairman Gordon Ørskov Madsen says teachers need more support to maintain proper learning environments.
Teachers currently spend 16% of classroom time managing student behavior instead of teaching. Private school teachers use 11% of their time for discipline. The situation has worsened since 2018, with a 4 percentage point increase across primary schools.
Madsen proposes adding teachers with special education training to all classrooms. He acknowledges this requires substantial investment but argues it will pay off long-term.
"It makes economic sense if it reduces the need for special education," Madsen explained. "Early intervention with extra teachers should mean fewer children requiring specialized programs."
The two-teacher model already exists in Danish schools. A recent education ministry study shows 52% of public school teachers participate in such arrangements weekly. Yet 25% never use the co-teaching approach.
The union wants the program expanded to cover all grade levels and schools nationwide.
"Teachers shouldn't waste 16% of instructional time on classroom management," Madsen stated. "We're stealing students' learning time, so we must take action."
Experts emphasize that parental cooperation plays a crucial role in reinforcing teacher authority. Andreas Rasch-Christensen, research director at VIA University College, notes children don't automatically recognize teachers as authority figures.
"Modern children aren't more problematic than previous generations," he observed. "But many lack the inherent understanding that teachers hold classroom authority. Parents must explicitly support teachers' positions."
The proposal comes as Danish schools face increasing challenges with classroom disruption despite existing co-teaching practices. The union's push represents a significant policy shift that would require major education budget increases.