KUSNET Urges TSC to Implement 2018 CBA for Teacher Promotions.
The Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET) is calling on the Teacher Service Commission (TSC) to urgently and comprehensively implement the 2018 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Despite some progress, many special education teachers remain in the same job groups. KUSNET’s Secretary General, James Torome, highlighted the need for swift action to address this issue.
In 2018, special needs education teachers secured promotions and additional staffing through the CBA to tackle the sector’s severe teacher shortage. However, James Torome pointed out that crucial elements of the agreement, specifically related to career progression, have not been fully implemented.
Torome emphasized the disparity between teachers handling special needs learners and those teaching regular learners. Teachers in mainstream education often receive higher administrative positions, even when they hold similar qualifications, such as diplomas and degrees.
Torome stated, “Teachers handling regular learners in mainstream schools are promoted to higher grades compared to those handling special needs learners, despite having similar qualifications.”
Teaching special needs learners requires a higher level of motivation and adequate remuneration to ensure effective service delivery. The union criticized the ongoing stagnation of special education teachers in the same job groups, which contrasts with the career progression of their counterparts in regular schools.
Despite these challenges, KUSNET acknowledged TSC’s efforts in hiring 6,000 new teachers. This move is expected to significantly ease the teacher shortage in the special education sector.
Read also:
- KUPPET Says No to Employment Reforms
- Emerging Threats in Education: Mental Health and Cybercrime
- TSC Salary Increment Beneficiaries: Spotlight on Long-Serving Teachers
Torome highlighted the need for well-motivated and adequately remunerated teachers in special schools, saying, “Handling learners in special schools is not a walk in the park. It requires highly motivated and well-compensated teachers to deliver effective services.”
Additionally, KUSNET welcomed the expansion of the special allowance bracket. This now includes teachers using pairs of crutches, who can receive a guidance allowance of 20,000. Previously, this allowance was not available to them since their employment by the TSC.
KUSNET also urged teachers not to resort to extreme measures to qualify for the special allowance. Torome cautioned against using walking aids unnecessarily to meet the criteria for the allowance.
Key Points from KUSNET’s Statement:
- CBA Implementation: Implementation of the 2018 agreement is not complete.
- Career Progression: Teachers are still in the same job groups, requiring a review.
- Employment of Teachers: Employment of only 6,000 new teachers.
- Special Allowance: Undergone expansion to include those using crutches, with an allowance of 20,000.
KUSNET Urges TSC to Implement 2018 CBA for Teacher Promotions.
Check for Daily Updates
Follow us on Telegram