Some JSS Teachers Forced To Teach Primary Classes-KUPPET
Some newly recruited Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers have been compelled by their station heads to teach primary school classes. This information was shared by Sam Opondo, the Siaya County Executive Secretary of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), during the Siaya County KUPPET Branch Annual General Meeting on Saturday. Opondo expressed that requiring JSS teachers to instruct primary school classes goes against their job descriptions.
KUPPET has observed that in numerous institutions, there’s a strained relationship between the heads of these institutions and the JSS teachers. This tension has been attributed to a perceived inferiority complex among non-graduate head teachers.
The majority of the newly recruited JSS teachers are graduates who, under the 8-4-4 curriculum, would have been posted to teach secondary schools. A JSS teacher who attended the AGM anonymously shared their frustration, suspecting that head teachers with P1 qualifications suffer from an inferiority complex.
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While emphasizing the importance of professionalism and decorum among JSS colleagues, Opondo urged the heads of institutions to exemplify professionalism, administrative tranquillity, and order.
Opondo informed the heads that JSS teachers should not be seen as “packages of trouble” but rather educators who need support to effectively deliver their services. The Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms has suggested that heads of Pre-Primary, Primary, and Junior schools should be graduates.
Furthermore, Opondo noted that Junior schools are currently understaffed, with teachers often handling more than 10 subjects in a day. Forcing JSS teachers to take on additional subjects in primary school is seen as a violation of their rights, considering the challenges they already face in JSS.
Some JSS Teachers Forced To Teach Primary Classes-KUPPET
The KUPPET Siaya Branch highlighted that most JSS institutions lack proper infrastructure, making practicals nearly impossible to carry out. JSS teachers lack essential resources such as furniture, stationery, and lab equipment. Moreover, there is inadequate facilitation for teachers involved in out-of-school activities.
In some cases, JSS teachers receive only sh50 when they go on official duty outside the school, which is deemed unacceptable. In response, Opondo announced plans to visit JSS colleagues across the county to address these issues.
One JSS teacher, who chose to remain anonymous, described the hardships faced, including having to walk long distances with students to access senior secondary schools for practicals, all while ensuring their safety.
Another teacher named Vivian recounted her experience of transitioning from a Board of Management teacher to teaching a JSS class, where she handles multiple subjects and often goes without lunch.
Siaya County KUPPET chairman Robert Ouko encouraged members to reach out to their office for support when facing professional challenges, emphasizing the strength of KUPPET in addressing these issues.
Some JSS Teachers Forced To Teach Primary Classes-KUPPET
