The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) yesterday launched an online system, which is expected to reduce the processing time for some teacher applications from over nine months to two months.
The launch, held under the theme “Going digital to provide a better service in the teaching profession,” took place at the TSC’s office, located in Brickdam, Georgetown, where several senior education ministry officials were present.
Giving a history of the application process, TSC Senior Personnel Officer Carmill Scott noted that before the launch of the new online application, the commission took over nine months to process senior applications.
Those applications, she said, included those for the positions of head teachers, deputy head teachers, and heads of department at nursery, primary, and secondary schools, among others.
However, with the transition to the online application system, she said, the process has been reduced to roughly two months. The launch heard that the processing time can be further reduced.
The application system can be accessed at the TSC’s website, www.tscapply.gov.gy.
Ray Bassoo, TSC Systems Analyst, during a presentation, stated that the change will serve as a historic shift for the TSC. He noted that it involves holistic changes in management and its operations which not only benefit the staff but the public at large.
According to him, the process took a number of years but the commission is at the forefront of realising its vision, which is in line with its theme to provide a better service for their teachers.
Bassoo, who also said that the online system allows for a faster processing of applications, pointed out that some applicants could complete their applications within 10 minutes. He noted that the application would then be stored and accessed by clerks and commissioners, after which the information entered would be verified. A decision on the applicant would then be made.
Bassoo, who said the new system will not eliminate the paper system, added that applicants would be able to see at what stage their application is and a possible time for completion of processing as he listed the benefits of the new system. He noted that the TSC is expected to become a fully digital agency by the year 2023. This, he said, will enable verification of records, among other benefits.
Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union Mark Lyte commended the TSC for the initiative taken to move in a digital direction, especially in light of how education is evolving.
Chief Education Officer Dr Marcel Hutson also congratulated the TSC on the launch and the effort put in to provide better service. He noted that the new system is more cost effective and requires less time, eliminating frustrations as teachers seek to get their business done.
Also speaking at the launch was Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira, who stated that the move in the digital direction is critical and noted that it is important to get it right from the beginning.
She asked that the TSC also cater to those who may have issues with accessing the site online due to the lack of access to the internet, such as those in hinterland areas. Additionally, she reminded that all persons from the various locations across Guyana must be treated equally.
