6000 Teachers to Special Schools .
6000 Teachers to Special Schools . Addressing Teacher Shortage in Special Schools: TSC to Deploy 6,000 Teachers
Introduction:
To tackle the critical shortage of teachers in special schools, TSC has forged an agreement with KUSNET. The Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET) to redeploy 6,000 teachers to these institutions.
Shortage of Teachers:
The shortage arose when some teachers transferred to regular schools to seek promotions, leaving special schools understaffed.
Redeployment Plan:
Teachers who shifted from special to regular schools for career advancement will be reassigned to special schools to alleviate the shortage.
Phased Deployment:
The redeployment process will commence in the second term, starting with 1,750 teachers in the first batch. Subsequently, 2,000 teachers will be redeployed in December 2024, followed by the final phase involving 347 teachers initially transferred from Special Needs Education (SNE) to regular schools.
Impact on Standards:
According to KUSNET Chairman Peter Sitienei, this initiative will enhance standards in special schools by ensuring adequate staffing.
Current Situation:
Currently, there are only 300 primary school teachers and 38 secondary school teachers catering to special needs learners, indicating a significant staffing gap.
Focus on Special Needs Learners:
Teachers assigned to special units in regular schools will be relieved of their duties to focus solely on catering to learners with special needs, ensuring dedicated attention for effective curriculum delivery.
Call for Redeployment:
Teachers are urged to submit requests for redeployment to special schools to facilitate the process.
Establishment of SNE Department:
During the meeting, TSC agreed to establish a Special Needs Education (SNE) department at its headquarters, staffed with knowledgeable personnel to address special needs matters effectively.
Funding Allocation:
The move to deploy more teachers to special schools aligns with the National Assembly Education committee’s proposal to increase funding for these institutions, aiming to enhance the learning environment.
Challenges and Solutions:
Concerns were raised by MPs regarding the understaffing and funding issues in special needs schools. Education CS Machogu acknowledged the challenges but attributed them to funding constraints.
Advocating for Learners:
MP Nabii Nabwera emphasized the importance of adequate support for learners with disabilities, highlighting the need for a higher teacher-to-learner ratio to ensure their well-being and educational progress.
Conclusion:
The redeployment of 6,000 teachers to special schools marks a significant step towards addressing the teacher shortage crisis, with the aim of improving the quality of education and support for learners with special needs across Kenya.
