At the end of the last school year, particular teaching positions were made redundant as the new classification for teachers of government secondary schools came into effect.
While some positions became an established post, some new ones were added: Principal, Deputy principal, Assistant Principal, Head of Department, Senior Graduate, Senior Qualified Teacher.
The requirements were furnished, then teachers were called upon to apply for these positions after which interviews were conducted. In February, successful candidates received their letters signifying their new position.
At present, all of these teachers hold a temporary post but they have seen an increase in the amount paid to them by means of an allowance. Retroactive pay has been paid to these teachers for the period September 2021 to February 2022.
In speaking to a few teachers, the following sentiments were expressed.
“I like the new classification system. It means deserving candidates will receive compensation for their work,”
Another said, “It’s good. I like it but I hope we get permanent positions by September”.
“For me, job classification means that there’s now mobility in the teaching service, but I don’t like that these positions are temporary,” declared one female teacher.
While the general consensus seems to be an appreciation of the classification system, the concern lies within the fact that these positions are temporary. This means that while there’s an increase in the amount a teacher now receives there’s not necessarily a change in their salary.
