TSC tells School Principals not to interdict teachers who need help

School Principals should pay more attention to teachers and, when feasible, assist them in resolving their issues, rather than constantly seeking their dismissal, according to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

Nyanza Regional TSC Director Japhat Kariuki encouraged school leaders to exercise caution when formulating charges for interdicting teachers in need of assistance during the closing ceremony of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) Migori County Conference in Kisumu.

“We’ve been erring by continuing to blame the teacher, particularly those who consume alcohol and other drugs.” Everyone claims that they are now alcoholics and unable to instruct. “Instead of hurrying to advocate for their interdiction, as the Principal, get to know the teacher’s issue,” Kariuki stated.

He argued that teachers are also facing social issues like family disputes and disagreements, which can significantly affect their school performance.

He noted that when a marriage breaks down, such as when the teachers involved don’t stay the same. Pushing for the intercession of such instructors only exacerbates the problem and is an unkind attempt, as they require psycho-social support.

“He proposed that teachers should be helped to return to life rather than condemned when they are in trouble.”
The school administrators, according to TSC Legal Officer Cavin Anyuor, are the ones who interdict teachers.

Anyuor remarked, “You (Principals) frame the issues and take them to the board of management; it is not the TSC that interdicts teachers.”

In the same vein, Anyuor urged the directors to make sure that only significant concerns are used as the basis for interdiction.

“Let us be fair and procedural as you exercise this power, and let us not debate trivial issues,” Anyuor said, citing a head teacher who lately refused a Junior School instructor a plastic chair on the grounds that the teacher had to sit under a tree.

The TSC Regional Director stated that, as a sustainable method of teacher management, school leaders must familiarize themselves with Teaching Induction Mentorship and Coaching (TIMEC).

“Kariuki stated, ‘The overall objective of TIMEC is to institutionalize teacher support initiatives, including induction, mentorship, and coaching in the teaching service. TIMEC is informed by the need to engage in both preventive and corrective approaches in the management of a teacher’s professional conduct and performance.'”

The regional chief stated that many teachers become disoriented because several principals frequently fail to adequately induct them.

“When a new teacher arrives, many of you often ask the deputy to show them around under the pretense that you’re too busy and going to a meeting.” “The deputy also hands the new teacher to the head of department as soon as they exit the school’s gate… They eventually go to the staffroom, pick things up naturally, and end up confused,” remarked Kariuki.

He stressed that it is the responsibility of school leaders to acquaint the inductee with the procedures and processes in the teaching profession, as well as the professional duties, applicable laws, and regulations.

Inductions address various matters, such as enhancing teachers’ interpersonal skills and relationships, fostering emotional intelligence, and establishing a sustainable institutional culture.
Kariuki cleverly pointed out that teachers whose pupils doze off in class should be guided by someone with more knowledge of effective methods.

“Best classroom management practices should be mentored to such a teacher. Kariuki asked, “How do you enter a class and keep teaching as if nothing is wrong when almost all the students are asleep?”

He continued that many junior teachers are now encountering family issues, so senior instructors and school leaders should also coach them on how to strike a balance between their professional and personal lives.

Additionally, Kariuki urged the leaders to make coaching a formal part of their programs in order to perfect skills and produce high results.

“He said teachers who have been teaching but have never received an A should be mentored to add value to their professional work.”

He continued by stating that TIMEC is primarily concerned with comprehending human behavior, instructing individuals on what to do, and providing them with an opportunity to hone their abilities.