Teachers Have A Plan

Written by Pio Sioa
Monday, 15 October 2007
CAP : JOYS OF TEACHING AT THE MALIE PRIMARY SCHOOL: Happier times are on the way for the local teaching profession once the Teachers Act is in place . The answer to the drum beats of anguish and concern at teachers leaving the profession in alarming numbers every year, is on its way. A comprehensive plan by a team of local and international consultants is only a few finishing touches away, from being submitted to Government for approval. The12 member team worked for the last 6 months to set up a National Teachers Development Framework, that will form the basis of a Teachers Act. A new salary structure and improved working conditions are central in the proposed framework. The two areas are at the centre of disenchantment for teachers who have left or are ready to join the exodus, for new and better paid careers elsewhere. The leading drum beater of woe for the profession, President of the Teachers Associaton, SFS, Ms. Gatoloai Tilianamua Afamasaga, is excited about what the new plan has to offer. “The framework is made up of three main components.” Gatoloai revealed. “The first is the professional development of teachers at the pre-service, on-service and in-service stages. “The second component is for salaries and working conditions. This is the component that will made the pathway very clear for teachers to follow to advance their careers.” The final component, according to Gatoloai, allows for a ‘wholistic’ view of the framework. “It makes it possible to compare the local standards of teaching to internationally recognized standards.” Gatoloai made up five of the independent consultants who worked alongside four others from outside the country to put the ‘framework ‘ together. The Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture was represented by three of its senior executive officials. Copies of the framework is with the various Government Ministries linked to the work, as well as the New Zealand and Australia assistance programme, and the Asian Development Bank. “They will go over the draft framework and if there are any added recommendations, we would incorporate them into the final report to be submitted to Government for approval.” Gatoloai described the effort that went into compiling the report as a”good indicator of the great commitment involved, and that it will address a lot of things to ensure quality teaching.” “One the Act (Teachers) is in place it will have a longterm impact on stemming the high attrition rate for teachers.” Gatoloai wanted also to impress on the urgent need to have the Teachers Act in place, not just for the sake of teachers, but “ the millions of tala poured into school, because it is money thrown into the ocean”. Comments (0) Subscribe to this comment's feed Write comment Name Email Title Comment

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