Why Teachers Rejects TSC Deployment to JSS
Despite efforts to deploy teachers to Junior Secondary Schools (JSS), a significant number of educators have shown reluctance to make the transition.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) responded to the National Assembly Committee on Education, shedding light on the reasons behind this resistance.
This article explores the factors that contribute to teachers’ rejection of TSC deployment to JSS.
The document is dated July 11 and is a response by the teachers’ employer to the National Assembly Committee on Education.
Why Teachers Rejects TSC Deployment to JSS
1. Lack of Additional Motivation for Higher Grade Teachers
The TSC document points out that many teachers above grade C2, particularly deputy and headteachers of primary schools, have not applied for deployment to JSS.
The main reason for their hesitation is the absence of additional motivation or incentives.
Teachers in higher job groups might already enjoy certain benefits and see little reason to move to Junior Secondary Schools.
The document states, “Our analysis reveals that a significant number of teachers above grade C2, particularly deputy and headteachers of primary schools, did not apply for deployment to Junior Secondary School because they are already in higher job groups and there was no additional motivation.”
2. Inadequate Compensation
Collins Oyuu, the general secretary of the Kenya National Union of Teachers, emphasizes that while the concept of junior school appears promising in terms of academic advancement and responsibilities, teachers’ compensation does not match the challenges they face.
The lack of fair pay for handling the increased workload and teaching at a more complex level makes the positions unattractive to potential candidates.
3. Demanding Workload and Complexity
Junior school entails teaching 12 compulsory subjects, including English, Mathematics, Pre-technical studies, Kiswahili, Integrated Science, Social Studies, Business Studies, Agriculture, Religious Education, Health Education, Sports and Physical Education, and Life Skills Education.
Despite the increased workload and added complexity of these subjects, teachers are not provided with commensurate remuneration. This disparity discourages many educators from transferring to JSS.
4. Opportunity for Willing Teachers
Despite the challenges, the TSC assures teachers that the option to transfer to Junior Secondary Schools remains open.
Educators who are willing to embrace the new responsibilities and teaching environment have the opportunity to make the transition.
“If a teacher will earn the same amount of money they get but get a heavier workload and teach a more complex level they would rather not move,” Oyuu said.
However, any teacher willing to transfer to junior school has the opportunity to do so.