Is School Returning to the Scene?

The School Returns to the Scene. Will Remedial Classes Succeed in Breaking the Monopoly of Tutoring Centers and Doing Justice to Teachers?

In a move rich with positive implications, Minister of Education Mohamed Abdel Latif honored several outstanding school principals nationwide. This is an honor that cannot be read merely as a protocol measure; rather, it is a clear message that the ministry recognizes that the school principal and the teacher are the primary and core pillars for any genuine advancement in education.

More important than the honor itself is what was announced on the sidelines regarding coordination between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance to ensure teachers receive higher shares of revenue from school remedial classes. This is a step we have long called for, and today we see it as the beginning of a transition from an idea on paper to a serious executive proposal.

Why Are We Betting on School Remedial Classes?

In my view, activating remedial classes inside the school is the safest and most reliable alternative to private lessons and tutoring centers.

A simple question worries every parent: Who is teaching my child inside the tutoring center? Is it a specialist, or sometimes even a teacher in the first place and a graduate of a faculty of education? Are they educationally qualified to deal with students? In many cases, we do not know the answer, nor can we guarantee the quality of the content presented or how it is delivered.

The school is the balancing scale. It is the official and safe entity that brings together specialized teachers, approved curricula, and direct educational supervision. Students returning to school after the school day to take remedial classes at reasonable prices, especially for low-income families, means restoring trust in the educational institution.

Increasing Teacher Income Is an Inherent Right and an Urgent Need

We cannot demand better education without speaking frankly about improving teacher income. A teacher looking for an additional source of income to secure a decent life for their family finds in school remedial classes a dignified and organized alternative to unregulated tutoring centers.

When teachers receive a larger share of the revenue, we grant them the financial and moral appreciation they deserve, and we encourage them to stay within their school walls and give their best to their students.

This achieves a win-win equation: the Ministry of Education regains its role, the teacher increases their income, and parents find a safe educational service.

However… How Do We Ensure the Success of the Experiment?

So that the idea does not remain ink on paper, there are some proposals that I believe are necessary for the success of school remedial classes as a genuine alternative to private lessons:

Considering the Social Dimension

In light of current economic conditions, we must keep low- and middle-income families in mind. Could there be tiered pricing brackets? And could a free percentage be allocated for students who cannot afford it? The price of the classes must be accessible to everyone, rather than becoming a new obstacle.

Quality of Implementation and Follow-Up

Will there be monitoring, supervision, inspection, and measurement of skills regarding the quality of explanations inside these classes? Will the best teachers be selected and trained? The success of the idea depends on parents feeling a real difference from the morning classroom lessons.

Community Marketing for the School

The school needs to market itself anew. How will we convince parents that school remedial classes are better than the famous tutoring center? This requires a clear awareness plan within each educational administration and the role of convinced parents.

The School’s Return to Its True Role

I believe that honoring school principals, increasing teaching incentives for teachers, and moving to activate remedial classes are all steps pointing in a single direction: the return of the school to fulfill its role to the fullest.

Once complete, this role will significantly reduce the phenomenon of tutoring centers and private lessons that drain the Egyptian family budget and fail to provide complete safety for our children.

Written by Rody Nabil

Published by Hany Sallam

Hany Sallam, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Scientific Magazine Ahram
An independent Arabic science magazine operating since 2008, dedicated to simplifying science, technology, space, natural phenomena and scientific stories for Arabic readers. The magazine includes sections such as “Zodiac Group” and “Stories and Tales”, alongside science topics that combine knowledge with a spirit of discovery. It operates independently and is not affiliated with Al-Ahram Press Foundation or any governmental body.