TSC takes outreach to Region Six, emphasizes importance of professionalism

Apr 01, 2014 News

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Competence and performance coupled with proper conduct, both in and out of the classroom, are the hallmarks of professionalism that teachers must seek to embrace.
Chairperson of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), Ms Leila Ramson, recently made a clarion call for teachers to exhibit professionalism in and out of school.
During recent interactive cluster meetings in Region Six, she stressed the need for teachers to conduct themselves so that they can be seen as role models and gain the respect of their pupils, parents, peers and community.

The meetings came as part of the TSC’s continuing outreach initiative across the country designed to improve the delivery of education for the nation’s children. A team from the Brickdam Georgetown, headquartered Commission, including Ramson, Commissioners Oswald Kendall and Maydha Persaud, and Clerk Nadine De Silva, visited Region Six where the meetings were convened over a two-day period from March 27.
They were able to meet with over 1,500 teachers at three amicable meetings at the Berbice High, J. C. Chandisingh and Tagore Secondary Schools.
The principal objectives were to foster a closer, cordial working relationship with all stakeholders, get a hands-on experience on delivery of education in the region, inform the stakeholders of TSC Policies and Guidelines, to listen and respond to teachers’ concerns, and to collect personal data on teachers to update the TSC Data Base.
At the meetings Ramson stressed the importance of education in the life of a nation. In doing so, she particularly emphasized, on the Policy Area of “Equality of Access to Education.”  She reminded the mammoth gatherings that education is not only the process by which people acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values, but, more importantly, education is life itself.
In addition, the Chairperson implored that Standard English be spoken at all times and that the teachers make a concerted, diligent effort to become avid readers. As the Chairperson reiterated “readers are leaders,” she amplified the importance for teachers to read widely and in-depth in order to improve their knowledge, keep abreast of changes in teaching and learning, and become well-rounded, well-informed citizens of Guyana.
The Chairperson also addressed the issues of professional development of teachers and certain classroom duties. She spoke seriously on the malpractice and dire consequences of teachers attending the University without release and the teachers were informed that they must correctly mark all students’ written work, give homework assignments, and ensure that students are given their End of Term Reports. All of these are important since parents and students need regular feedback in order to gauge progress.
Ramson, however, praised teachers for choosing the teaching profession and exhorted them to give only their best since their success is measured by the success of their students.
Commissioner Kendall emphasized that discipline is the hallmark of effective teaching and learning. He enumerated the three major functions of the TSC – to appoint, promote, and discipline. He told the huge gathering of the growing and unacceptable number of disciplinary infractions brought to the TSC against teachers.
In view of these reports, he firmly and emphatically spoke on the inadmissibility of improper conduct, inappropriate dress, neglect of duties, insubordination, inefficiency, unapproved corporal punishment, verbal and physical abuse of students and peers, sexual overtures and assault, irregularity and tardiness, and criminal matters that would require court proceedings.
On each area, he expounded on the consequences of the infraction. In his conclusion, he reminded the teachers of their Union’s Motto – “We Mould the Nation” and that teaching is a 24/7 occupation.
Commissioner Maydha Persaud prefaced his presentation with the Japanese proverb – “Better than one thousand days of diligent study is one day with a good teacher”.
A good teacher, he said, is one who instills confidence and makes learning a fascinating challenge. Commissioner Persaud dealt in-depth with pertinent pedagogical areas, including senior promotion, transfers, resignation, retirement, permission to leave the country, leave taking, records, time tabling, acting appointments, upgrading of status, and induction of new teachers.
He, like his colleagues, reminded teachers that education is the most important ingredient in life and living. When we teach, we teach the future.
The teachers in attendance were extremely grateful for the information received and many responded that it was new for them.
Regions Two and Three had similar outreach programmes and Georgetown will soon benefit from TSC outreaches as well.

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