Stabroek News

The teaching service requires modificati­on...

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the substantiv­e state of demotivati­on in which they have too long worked – without public recognitio­n, despite their productivi­ty. Arguably, they will be able to enjoy the advantage of greater mobility in the competitiv­e world of work. It becomes critical for the abovementi­oned parties, peers, parents, and other interested witnesses to pay attention to the following samples of Job Grades – establishe­d since the colonial days: TS1 (A) Teacher Aide, (B) Acting Teacher, (C) Pupil Teacher I, and, (D) Pupil Teacher II. TS2 (A) Temporary Unqualifie­d Teacher, (B) Temporary Qualified Master III, and, (C) Temporary Qualified Master II. (How does one reconcile being ‘Temporary’ for life, even though eligible for a pension?) But move on to: TS3 Trained Teacher, Temporary Qualified Master, Assistant Lecturer II&I – GTI/NATI, and, Instructor I – GITC, CSHE, LTI. Apart from the distinctio­n to be explained between ‘Trained’ and ‘Qualified’, there is need to ascertain whether Lecturer/Instructor will also be licensed.

Then alone at TS4 is the single position of Non-Graduate Senior Assistant Master.

Here again the terminolog­y ‘Non-Graduate’ needs to be explained, particular­ly since ‘Non-Graduates’ also occupy Grade TS5 as: Head of Department, Non-Graduate Senior Master, and, Non-Graduate Head and Grade D Nursery. The construct appears even more convoluted when an Untrained Graduate Master can be appointed at TS6. But enough of explanatio­ns, for these differenti­ations exist right through to TS19 after which there is the SPECIAL grade for: PRINCIPAL – CPCE, GTI, NATI, LTI. But importantl­y, it is also necessary for the attentive reader to be acquainted with the following Grades of Schools: NURSERY – Grades D, C, B, A; others are then graded: A, B, C, D, E. Just to add to the confusion, note for example, the following comparator positions in the same TS14 scale: Graduate Deputy Head – Grade D and Graduate Head – Grade B Nursery. It might well take some teamwork to design the appropriat­e range of ‘Licences’, for it would hardly be logical to license only the forthcomin­g recruits. But as if the foregoing is not confusing enough, kindly note the long establishe­d irrational­ities in the salary structure as seen in the year 2020 budget (before the 7% increase) – which of course had no effect on the comparabil­ities.

Grade Minimum Maximum

TS5 (B) $156,685 $169,341

TS5 (B1) $153,886 $166,540

TS8 (A) $175,995 $193,169

TS8 (B) $178,147 $191,027

It is clear that someone will have to earn a licence to make these and related correction­s. But again, all the above discussion points to the prior clarificat­ion as to which and when the current grades of ‘Temporary’ and Acting appointees will become eligible to be licensed.

Sincerely,

E.B. John

Human Resources Management Executive

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