Teachers’ Card: a complete change for educators – the Court of Cassation recognises the entitlement

The Court of Cassation (order 25597/2026) has clarified that the Teachers’ Card is also available to educational staff. This decision reopens an issue which, for those working in boarding schools and educational institutions, has practical implications: the recognition of the financial benefit intended for training cannot be denied on the basis of the distinction between teaching and education.

The point is clear. Educators fulfil a role that differs from teaching in the strict sense, but they nevertheless play a part in the students’ development, upbringing and education. They do not merely manage pupils’ day-to-day lives: they contribute to their personal and cultural development and, in these roles, therefore work in coordination with the school’s teaching staff. This brings us to the crucial point.

The Court in Piazza Cavour considers it significant that educational staff are classified within the same professional category as teaching staff, and that educators are also required to possess specific skills and to undertake in-depth study and professional development. Continuing professional development, therefore, is not something separate from their work, but rather an essential component for carrying it out to the highest standard. The Teachers’ Allowance is specifically intended to cover the costs associated with professional development. It may be used, in accordance with the applicable rules, for books, technological tools, courses and other training initiatives. The Supreme Court’s reasoning is based on the purpose of the benefit: since both teachers and educators are involved in the education of pupils and are subject to specific professional development requirements, there is no coherent reason to exclude the latter.

This provides an important clarification for educational staff and the Ministry: continuing professional development is not exclusively for those who teach in the classroom. Educational staff also play a part in pupils’ educational journey and are eligible for financial support for professional development.