The TSC advises school principals not to suspend teachers who require assistance.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has advised school leaders to address teachers’ concerns instead of constantly seeking their interdiction and to pay attention to what they have to say.
Nyanza Regional TSC Director Japhat Kariuki urged school principals to exercise caution when drafting charges for interdicting teachers in need of assistance during his speech at the conclusion of the Migori County Conference of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) in Kisumu.
“We’ve been wronging the teacher by continuing to blame her, particularly those who indulge in alcohol and other substances.” Everyone claims that they are now teachers and that they are unable to instruct. “Instead of hurrying to advocate for their interdiction, as the Principal, get to know the teacher’s issue,” Kariuki stated.
He argued that teachers are also facing social issues like family disputes and conflicts, which can significantly affect their ability to perform in school.
He noted that when a marriage fails, such as when the teachers involved do not stay the same. Pushing for the interdictioin of such instructors only exacerbates the problem and is an inhumane endeavor, as they require psycho-social support.
“He should be helped to return to life when teachers are in trouble, rather than being condemned,” he stated.
The school head interdicts teachers, according to TSC Legal Officer Cavin Anyuor.
“The TSC does not interdict teachers. Anyuor stated, “You (Principals) frame the issues and take them to the board of management.”
In the same vein, Anyuor urged the leaders to make sure that just important matters are used as the basis for interdiction.
“Let us be fair and procedural as you exercise this power, and let us not debate trivial issues,” Anyuor added, citing an instance where a head teacher recently denied a Junior School instructor a plastic chair on the grounds that the teacher had to sit under a tree.
The TSC Regional Director stated that as a sustainable method of teacher management, school leaders must educate themselves about Teacher Induction Mentorship and Coaching (TIMEC).
“The overall goal of TIMEC is to formalize teacher support programs within the teaching workforce, such as coaching, mentorship, and induction. “TIMEC is guided by the necessity to employ both preventive and remedial strategies in handling a teacher’s professional behavior and performance,” Kariuki stated.
The regional chief stated that many teachers become disoriented because many principals have a tendency to neglect to adequately induct new teachers.
“Many of you often ask the deputy to show a new teacher around under the pretext that you’re too busy and going to a meeting when a new teacher arrives. “The deputy also hands the new teacher to the head of department as soon as they leave the school’s gates… They eventually go to the staffroom, learn things naturally, and end up confused,” said Kariuki.
He stressed that it is the responsibility of school leaders to acquaint the inductee with the procedures and practices of the teaching profession, as well as the applicable laws, rules, and professional commitments.
Inductions address a variety of issues, including helping instructors enhance interpersonal skills and relationships, cultivate emotional intelligence, and establish a sustainable institutional culture.
Kariuki cleverly noted that instructors whose pupils doze off in class should be guided by someone with more knowledge of effective methods.
“Such a teacher should receive guidance on effective classroom management techniques. Kariuki asked, “How do you walk into a class and carry on teaching as if nothing bad is happening when almost all the students are asleep?”
Many junior teachers are now facing family issues, he noted, so school leaders and other senior instructors should also guide them on how to strike a mix between their professional and personal lives.
Additionally, Kariuki urged the leaders to make coaching a part of their organizations in order to guarantee that skills are honed for the achievement of high-quality results.
“Teachers who have been teaching but have never scored an A should be coached to be able to add value to their professional work,” he stated.
He continued by stating that TIMEC is more about comprehending human behavior, instructing individuals on precisely what to do, and providing them the opportunity to hone their abilities.
