About us
Who are we?
Tanítanék Movement (literal translation: ‘I’d like to teach’ Movement; preferred term: Teachers’ Movement) is a Hungarian civic movement working for fair, modern and child-centered public education. We bring together teachers, students, parents, education experts and citizens who believe that accessible quality education is a public good and a foundation of democracy.
The Movement develops policy proposals, represents them in public debate, and advocates for reforms in Hungary’s public education system.
Since its founding, Tanítanék has organised demonstrations, workshops and conferences, and has worked to raise public awareness about problems and solutions in education.
Why Tanítanék Exists?
Hungary’s public education system has faced serious challenges in recent years, including teacher shortages, low salaries, centralisation of decision-making and growing inequality between schools.
In 2016, an open letter written by teachers from Herman Ottó High School in Miskolc, Hungary addressing the crisis in education, sparked a nationwide movement. Thousands of teachers and citizens joined protests calling for change.
Tanítanék was born from this moment, with the goal of turning professional concerns into constructive proposals and civic action.
What We Do
We develop education policy proposals and participate in public debate about Hungary’s education system.
We organise demonstrations and campaigns to amplify the voices of teachers, students, and parents.
We provide solidarity initiatives for teachers affected by protests and create community programs and workshops.
We publish articles, organise discussions and collaborate with other civil organisations to keep education in public focus.
Our Impact
Over the years, Tanítanék has helped to make education one of the most prominent public issues in Hungary. The movement has mobilised tens of thousands of citizens and built strong networks among teachers, parents and students.
During 2016–2017, Tanítanék became a central civic voice in education policy debates. It helped organise demonstrations, created policy proposals, and contributed to the establishment of the Civil Public Education Platform, bringing together teachers, parents, students and experts to work on reform ideas.
In the following years, Tanítanék developed professional policy documents such as the “Education Minimum,” organised conferences and workshops, and continued public awareness campaigns about teacher shortages, centralisation and inequality in Hungarian schools.
In 2022, new nationwide teacher protests began after restrictions made effective strikes nearly impossible. Tanítanék played a coordinating role in civic actions and civil disobedience initiatives involving hundreds of schools and thousands of teachers, while also organising solidarity support for teachers facing sanctions or dismissal.
In 2023, Tanítanék received the European Parliament’s European Citizen’s Prize in recognition of its work to improve education and stand up for democratic values.
We believe education should prepare students not only for work, but for life as free and responsible citizens.
Today
Contact & Cooperation
Tanítanék continues to work for long-term education reform through advocacy, public engagement, international cooperation and community building.
We welcome partners, supporters and friends from around the world who share our belief that education is a public good.
If you are a journalist, researcher, NGO partner or supporter interested in Hungarian education, we are happy to provide background information, interviews or collaboration opportunities.
Feel free to contact: akcio@tanitanek.info