Flemish Community Approves Education Decree XXXVI Teacher Workforce Measures (Belgium, June 2026)
The Flemish Parliament adopted and the Flemish Government promulgated Education Decree XXXVI in June 2026. The decree includes several teacher-workforce measures affecting retirement, transfers, pregnancy-related work rules and induction for new teachers.
Source: Vlaams Parlement - Ontwerp van decreet over het onderwijs XXXVI
The Flemish Parliament adopted and the Flemish Government promulgated Education Decree XXXVI in June 2026. The decree includes several teacher-workforce measures affecting retirement, transfers, pregnancy-related work rules and induction for new teachers.
What Changed?
The decree allows retired teachers to continue teaching under updated rules, creates a route for adult education personnel to transfer seniority into secondary education, adjusts work arrangements for pregnant kindergarten teachers and supports induction for starting staff with additional funded units.
Old System vs New System
Teacher workforce rules were split across existing provisions, with less flexible arrangements for retired teachers, surplus adult education staff and pregnancy-related work placement in kindergarten settings.
The Flemish education system applies the updated decree rules, giving schools and staff new workforce options and setting funded induction support for starting teachers.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Students may benefit from smoother staffing continuity where schools can retain or redeploy experienced staff and support new teachers.
Parent / Family Impact
Parents may see fewer staffing disruptions where schools can use the new workforce tools effectively.
School / Institution Impact
Schools and school communities must apply new staffing rules, manage induction allocations and update personnel planning.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Teachers are directly affected through new rules on retirement-based continuation, seniority transfer, pregnancy-related duties and induction support.
Key Dates
- 2026-06-03: decree adopted by the Flemish Parliament
- 2026-06-05: decree promulgated
- 2026-09-01: main school-year implementation point.
What To Do
- School leaders should review staffing plans
- identify eligible personnel and prepare induction allocations for starting teachers.
What To Watch Next
Implementation guidance may clarify how schools allocate induction units and apply the transfer and continuation rules in practice.
Global Context
The change is relevant for teacher-workforce monitoring because it uses legal measures to address staffing flexibility and early-career teacher support.
Source Record
Source type: Decree
Source name: Vlaams Parlement - Ontwerp van decreet over het onderwijs XXXVI