Teacher Unions Stagnation Concern.
Teacher Unions Stagnation Concern.Teachers Unions Concerned about Grade D4 Exclusion.
Introduction
Teachers unions, including the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), are expressing worry about the recent exclusion of certain grades, particularly Grade D4, from promotion interviews. According to them, this exclusion has led to a significant administrative gap and denied Grade D4 teachers the chance to advance, potentially causing stagnation in lower grades. This situation highlights the challenges educators face in their quest for professional growth and underscores the impact of administrative decisions on teacher morale and productivity.
Seeking Accountability and Transparency
In response to these concerns, the teachers’ unions are demanding accountability and transparency in the promotion process. They are taking steps to gather data to address the grievances of teachers who feel unfairly left out of deserved promotions. KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori emphasized the challenges teachers encounter in their pursuit of professional growth and recognition within the system. He highlighted the frustration and demoralization experienced by many educators due to promotion issues, with some even considering early retirement as a result.
Identifying Root Causes
Misori also raised questions about existing gaps in schools and speculated whether disinterest in principal roles, low application rates, or prolonged stagnation contribute to the problem. The issue extends beyond Grade D4, affecting Grade D5 as well, and has created a ripple effect throughout lower grades, exacerbating overall stagnation. Additionally, the unions criticized the practice of deputies assuming principal responsibilities for extended periods, leading to frustration among educators.
Critique of Job Group Restructuring
Former Job Group L, which introduced two job groups, C3 and C4, was criticized by Misori for hindering teachers’ progression. He argued that moving a teacher from C3 to C4 only delays progression within the same group, disrupting the traditional advancement from Job Group L to M. The restructuring of Job Group L was identified as a contributing factor to prolonged stagnation, affecting numerous teachers who have remained in the same job group for over a decade.
Calls for Urgent Action
The unions called for urgent measures to address persistent challenges in the promotion and career advancement of teachers. KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu expressed dissatisfaction with the merit list published by TSC for teacher promotions. He questioned the commission’s reluctance to provide real names against TSC numbers, highlighting the lack of transparency in promotion criteria.
Emphasis on Data Collection
Emphasizing the importance of collecting data on teachers who have not received deserved promotions, the unions aim to hold the TSC accountable for not adhering to its own regulations. Oyuu stressed the need for data compilation on the promotion issue within different branches and urged teachers to submit written complaints to the union’s office for confirmation. Dissatisfaction with the promotion process extends to concerns about the absence of real names against TSC numbers and the lack of information on promotions in each grade and region.
3 FACTORS INFLUENCING THE CALCULATION OF TSC TEACHER PENSION LUMP SUM
Conclusion
The teachers’ unions are actively advocating for transparency, accountability, and fairness in the promotion process to ensure equitable opportunities for all educators.
