KUPPET – Fair Treatment of (JSS) Teachers School Primary Heads
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has urged primary school head teachers to stop mistreating Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers and instead treat them with respect and fairness.
Speaking in Makueni County, KUPPET Executive Secretary Justus Kimeu emphasized that school heads must support and guide JSS teachers rather than subjecting them to unnecessary challenges.
Kimeu reinforced the earlier directive issued by Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia, who, during a conference with primary school heads three months ago, stressed the importance of cooperation and support for JSS teachers.
Despite this guidance, many school heads continue to sideline and undermine JSS teachers instead of integrating them into key school operations. Kimeu condemned these practices, stating that they must stop immediately.
Complaints from JSS Teachers Over Exclusion and Poor Treatment
Kimeu revealed that numerous JSS teachers have raised concerns about being excluded from planning decisions related to JSS classes and welfare matters.
Additionally, the government’s ban on remedial teaching has significantly impacted teachers, leading to low compensation while still subjecting them to disciplinary threats through show-cause letters.
Disparities in Payment and Workload Allocation
A major grievance raised by JSS teachers is the discrepancy between school funds collected from parents and the actual payments teachers receive.
Kimeu gave an example of a school where:
- 775 JSS students each pay 1,500 shillings.
- However, teachers only receive 200 shillings in the morning and 300 shillings per hour on Saturdays.
This unequal distribution of funds has left many JSS educators frustrated.
Adding to their struggles, JSS teachers are denied class teacher roles for their students. Instead, these responsibilities are assigned to P1 teachers, despite the fact that P1 teachers are primarily trained for primary education.
Unfair Deployment of JSS Teachers
Kimeu pointed out a case at a primary school in Makindu, where:
- Grades 7 and 8 are exclusively taught by P1 teachers.
- Grade 9 has only four JSS teachers and one intern.
- Despite having five trained and retooled JSS teachers, the school bars them from handling JSS classes.
- Instead, 18 P1 teachers have been assigned to teach Grade 9, even though they are not authorized to do so.
KUPPET Urges JSS Teachers to Stand Up for Their Rights
To address these injustices, Kimeu urged JSS teachers to familiarize themselves with the Code of Conduct, the Basic Education Act, and relevant regulations. By understanding their rights, teachers can defend themselves against unfair treatment without fear of intimidation.
He reassured JSS teachers that KUPPET stands firmly behind them and will continue advocating for fair treatment, better working conditions, and proper recognition as they implement the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
As the transition to CBC progresses, KUPPET insists that all stakeholders must work together to ensure that JSS teachers receive the respect, support, and fair compensation they deserve.
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