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The Ministry of Education has continued to ignore my pleas
DEAR EDITOR,
In July 2018, I complained through your letter section about victimization that I have faced at my workplace. It was quite detailed and I highlighted instances where I felt that I was treated unfairly. My letter was titled, ‘‘I am a distraught teacher who has been mistreated, but who can I turn to for help?’’ Although, the Department of Education (Region Four-Triumph, ECD) was aware of my issue and my missive was published, I was never contacted by any official from the Ministry/Department of Education regarding my concerns.
I wrote of being humiliated by an official at the Department of Education when I requested a transfer. That person was the Secondary officer then. I was left in tears after she embarrassed me in the presence of others over the ‘tightness’ of my skirt. She didn’t like my reasons for requesting a transfer and so turned the focus on my outfit.
My appointment letter states that after serving a period of four years in a coastland school I can request a transfer. It does not state that my reasons should be restricted, and I was never shown any document at my workplace that addresses the ‘tightness’ of teachers’ attire. I was never told that I was required to wear loose clothing which hides the outline of my body.
After this incident, my relationship with the department personnel soured and my request was denied. On one occasion I was told that I could only be transferred out of the region.
After many months and other unpleasant incidents, my plight has worsened, and I feel that all avenues that should be opened to me as a Teacher have been closed off. The last time I visited the Ministry of Education I spoke extensively to an official about my situation and left various documents. I was promised a ‘call’, three months later, I am still waiting on the ‘call’.
I continue to face difficulties at my workplace. Last school term I requested a letter from the Headmistress stating that I was employed at the school, for a Teachers’ training programme. My request was denied, although I have been working at the school for almost seven years and my appointment letter stated that I was to commence a Teachers’ training course within two years. I did not pursue training earlier because of feeling very uncomfortable at my workplace and demotivated to pursue training, I thought of leaving my job several times.
Last week an ordinary conversation with the Deputy Headteacher regarding discipline of students escalated into an argument. The administrative staff has not implemented any effective measures to deal with indisciplined behaviour, which severely affects classroom teaching and the overall performance of the students.
During the argument I was threatened with bodily harm in the presence of students and teachers. The Deputy Headteacher threatened to slap me and deal with me in such a manner that I would regret ever entering the school. I am fearful and have considered reporting this matter to the Police.
Due to the Education officials’ unwillingness to listen to my concerns and treat me fairly, I am left feeling depressed and frustrated. I would like someone to listen to my concerns, that is all that I am asking of the Ministry of Education, but due to favouritism and unprofessionalism, even that seems like asking for too much.
Yours faithfully,
Frustrated Teacher
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