Delocalization and Principal’s Responsibilities: Why Teachers Avoid School Head Positions
Delocalization is at the top of the list of reasons why teachers are hesitant to apply for administrative positions in schools.
In addition, some teachers lack the prerequisite credentials required by the employer.
Financial Constraints and Discouragement
According to teachers, the current underfunding of schools has discouraged the vast majority of them from pursuing managerial positions in order to prevent the pressure and difficulties associated with those positions.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has advertised 1,001 senior school administrative positions for the third time. Teachers have been hesitant to exhibit interest in the positions, citing a variety of reasons.
A high school principal who requested anonymity out of fear of retaliation described the positions as a “poisoned chalice.”
Due to the fact that they are used to punish managers, the majority of teachers are not interested in the advertised positions.
“As a disciplinary measure, you will be taken to a hardship area if you are selected for the position. Before applying for a transfer, you are expected to be there for five years,” the principal explained, casting light on why more than 1,000 positions are not generating interest.
According to Johnson Nzioka, chairman of the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (Kepsha), teachers fear being moved from their preferred stations.
‘‘Teachers fear moving out of their stations, and since Special Needs Education schools (SNE) are spread out in the country, teachers should be given the option to choose schools where vacancies fall,’’ Nzioka said.
He stated that some teachers begin their careers in primary schools and are then transferred to schools for students with special needs after completing advanced education.
“New SNE teachers may not possess the right grades and skills to apply for the same to replace those exiting,’’ he said.
Principal’s Responsibilities: A Heavy Burden
Kahi Indimuli, the chairman of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (Kessha), stated that the dire situation in schools in terms of capitation challenges has dissuaded qualified teachers from applying for positions with increased responsibilities and benefits.
‘‘At the moment schools are being stressed. I’m aware of schools that have not been able to pay workers’ salaries since last term around February. Nobody will wish to wade into such mucky waters,’’ said Indimuli.
Principal’s responsibilities
The burden, according to Indimuli, typically stops with the principal.
“The students erupt, which appears to be poor administration on the part of the principals to an observer. Nobody considers whether the head was adequately equipped to carry out his obligations, he explained.
Teachers’ representatives who have been at the vanguard of advocating for tutors’ advancement blame the TSC for its current predicament.
Lack of Career Advancement Opportunities
According to Misori, teachers have been stagnating in the same job group for several years without moving to the next level, a situation that has completely demoralized them.
Delocalization and Principal’s Responsibilities: Why Teachers Avoid School Head Positions