Teacher training on Roma education in Greece: a discussion about the results of INSETRom experience in two Greek schools

Socially marginalized for centuries, the Roma population of Greece continue to confront many problems concerning their daily living conditions, labour integration and, foremost, their education. This paper briefly outlines the educational, cultural and social status of the Roma community in Greece and discusses the need for appropriate and effective teacher training for the education and inclusion of Roma pupils. The results of the IN-SErvice Training for Roma Inclusion (INSETRom) project in two Greek primary schools and the assessment of the associated teacher training are discussed, together with an outline of teacher-training needs, as identified by a pilot research prior to the implementation of the training experience. The training procedure and results are also described. Finally, there is a discussion of the general training needs of Greek teachers and the organizational and administrative potential to promote an effective ongoing training system. The paper concludes with suggestions pertaining to ways in which training modules may be employed by other training institutions.