THE experience of lockdown learning has created an opportunity to re-examine the north's education system, teachers will be told today.
The NASUWT is holding its annual conference online.
Motions on a wide range of issues affecting the teaching profession and education are being debated.
High on the list is workload, pay in further education, harassment and reforms.
The union said Covid-19 had put teachers under incredible pressure and it was unhappy with how ministers had handed the pandemic.
With pupils now going back to classes, Northern Ireland president Angela Wallace will tell the conference it is time to return to "normal".
However, she said there was an opportunity to make significant changes.
"Do we want to see the workload of teachers increased with sheer bureaucracy? Do we want to give in to examination board demands?" she said.
"Do we want to see children age 11 stressed out about transfer tests? Do we want to see an increase yet again in those school age children for whom the academic system no longer works?"
"I think now is the time we should be looking at those countries where educational systems outperform ours, countries like Finland where there is free childcare for all, where there is a sound comprehensive education and where their children grow up to have excellent levels in literacy, numeracy and science.
"Their children do not face selection or rejection at age 11. It is only at age 14 then they decide if they want to pursue and academic or vocational career and choose schools or colleges as appropriate.
"As a careers teacher this is very close to my own heart that children and young people can pursue the careers they want and that greater recognition is given to vocational courses."
Ms Wallace added that she was glad the assembly was introducing "proper government apprenticeships and paid internships".
"It is a step in the right direction but we do need much more. Now is the time to restructure our educational system - to move away from this constant tracking and testing approach; to recognise children for what they are and to encourage them to be the best they can be; to recognise teachers and schools for what they have achieved and to help form the new 21st century Northern Ireland."
She noted that research from Ulster University found that the north's education system, while having excellent exam results, was one of the most divisive.
"They too recognise a complete overhaul which in their estimation would take at least 30 years to succeed. I will not see this in my lifetime," she said.
"Our teachers and children deserve much more. We deserve a system that recognises the professionalism and dedication of our teachers, the commitment of our school managers and a better future for all our children.
"Some initiatives are to be welcomed. The mental health and emotional wellbeing framework, the task force set up to investigate underperformance, the independent review of education. Hopefully these will secure better outcomes for our students."
