TSC advises School Principals against interdicting teachers who require assistance.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has encouraged school leaders to listen to teachers more attentively and help them resolve their issues, when feasible, instead of hastily seeking their interdiction.
During the closing event of the Migori County Conference of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) in Kisumu, Nyanza Regional TSC Director Japhat Kariuki called on the principals to approach the framing of charges for teacher interdictions more cautiously.
“We have been making an error by continuously blaming the teacher, particularly those who consume alcohol and other substances. It is a common belief that they have become alcoholics and cannot teach effectively. As the Principal, take the time to understand the teacher’s problem instead of hastily advocating for their interdiction,” said Kariuki.
He pointed out that teachers also face social difficulties such as family disputes and conflicts that can significantly impact their performance at school.
For instance, when a marriage falls apart, the affected teachers typically do not remain unchanged, he noted. Such educators require psycho-social support, and pushing for their interdiction only exacerbates the situation and is an inhumane act.
“When teachers encounter difficulties, rather than being judged, they should receive help to regain their stability,” he stated.
According to TSC Legal Officer Cavin Anyuor, it is the school leaders who initiate the interdiction of teachers.
“It is not the TSC that interdicts teachers. It is you (Principals) who formulate the issues and present them to the board of management,” remarked Anyuor.
In the same context, Anyuor encouraged the heads to ensure that only grave matters are considered as grounds for interdiction.
“As you exercise this authority, let us remain fair and procedural and avoid debating minor issues,” said Anyuor, citing the example of a head teacher who recently denied a Junior School teacher a plastic chair on the grounds that the teacher should sit under a tree.
As a sustainable method for managing teachers, the TSC Regional Director explained that school heads must educate themselves on Teacher Induction Mentorship and Coaching (TIMEC).
“The primary goal of TIMEC is to institutionalize support programs for teachers, encompassing induction, mentorship, and coaching within the teaching profession. TIMEC is based on the necessity to employ both preventive and remedial strategies in managing a teacher’s professional behavior and performance,” stated Kariuki.
The regional leader observed that many principals often fail to adequately induct new teachers, leading to confusion and disorientation among them.
“When a new teacher arrives, many of you typically invite the deputy to accompany them under false pretenses of being busy and heading off to a meeting. After you leave the school’s gate, the deputy then transfers the new teacher to the head of department… Ultimately they arrive at the staffroom, naturally absorb information, and end up confused,” noted Kariuki.
He stressed that school leaders have a duty to orient the new staff member with their professional responsibilities, applicable laws and regulations, as well as the processes and procedures within the teaching profession.
Inductions guarantee that educators cultivate emotional intelligence, foster a sustainable institutional culture, and enhance interpersonal relationships and skills, among other matters. Kariuki humorously mentioned that teachers whose pupils fall asleep during lessons should receive mentorship from someone more seasoned in best practices.
“Such an educator should be guided in effective classroom management techniques. How can you enter a classroom and proceed to teach as if nothing wrong is occurring when nearly all students are dozing off? ” questioned Kariuki.
School leaders and other experienced educators in the institution should also mentor less experienced staff on how to balance professional responsibilities with their personal lives, as many are increasingly facing family issues, he added.
Moreover, Kariuki urged the principals to formalize coaching programs to ensure that skills are refined to achieve quality results.
“Teachers who have been instructing but have never achieved an A should be coached to enhance their professional contributions,” he stated.
He continued by explaining that TIMEC relates more to comprehending human behavior, instructing individuals precisely what to do, and providing an environment for them to hone their skills.