Dear Editor,
On the 9th of February a letter titled ‘Inadequate space and furniture for teachers at Annandale’ was published in the Stabroek News. Then during the morning session at the school some much needed furniture from the Ministry of Education (MoE) arrived along with two education officials. Later that morning, while teaching a class I was told to report to the headmaster’s office and after complying with this order an ambush masked as a meeting commenced. I received no prior notification and was not told the reason(s) that warranted my presence there. In audience were the acting headteacher (HM), acting deputy headteacher (DHM), a secondary officer and the DEO.
The farce of a meeting quickly turned sour and combative because accusations, criticisms and subtle threats were thrown at me while I sat there feeling singled out, perplexed and cornered. For instance, I was asked about the number of teaching periods assigned to me, then told that it needed to be drastically increased although if these officers had checked the records they would have seen that many teachers were assigned the same number of periods and even less. At one point the HM and DHM were even prodded to speak about issues they encountered with me. The HM did not speak but the DHM related three problems/situations; one was exaggerated and the other two were never brought to my attention apart from the fact that they fall into the fiction category.
Editor, what transpired during this charade is too much to outline here, it could cover several chapters. However, words such as: troublemaker, bitter and disciplinary committee were said. At one point I even asked why I was there and what was the purpose of the meeting. I was told that I refused to move from the library to a space reserved for me in the staff room and failure to comply. Firstly, I never refused to move from the library, I was placed there along with eleven other teachers by the administrative staff due to lack of space in the staff room. When we were informed that we had to vacate the library it became the responsibility of the administrative staff to find space elsewhere for us. I was told that a part of the walkway in the main staff room where a refrigerator and microwave stood would be cleared for me. When the officials visited, I was still awaiting instructions to move from either the HM or DHM. And regarding the second accusation I was not informed about what specifically I failed to comply with.
Editor, I choose to write about this matter because it’s not the first time I’ve been subjected to such treatment by education officials. Does the MoE feel that this approach is professional and follows correct procedures when dealing with teachers? I believe that it further strains the relationship between teachers and those who are supposed to assist them. Furthermore, it seems that many who are in management/leadership positions in the education sector only sought those positions because they relish the power it gives them and not the opportunity presented to improve the system and build bridges with stakeholders for the benefit of all. While going to the media should be the last resort or not even considered often it is the only medium that gives one the opportunity to be heard when there is an issue. And often what was ignored or discarded somehow becomes feasible and is considered when given exposure.
Editor, the school system is hierarchical and if one is low on the totem pole then value, opinions and even voice are taken away. Throughout my career as a teacher, I’ve noted this, on even the simplest of problems one cannot get satisfaction. For instance, once I complained about a very unsuitable chair I was given to sit on and instead of addressing my concern I was ignored, another time I requested an apology from two students who were disrespectful to me and again I was ignored. And at another school, when we were arranging the furniture for the students’ examination, a senior teacher shouted at me to move my furniture in the presence of students. I later requested that my Head of Department speak with this teacher about the matter because not only was she unprofessional in speaking to me that way but could undermine my authority with my students. Instead of just having a little talk with us, a union representative from a nearby school, Mr. Nauth was called in to harass and interrogate me in the presence of some senior teachers.
These are just a few, but what it points to is incapability and lack of people management and leadership skills of those with power and authority in the education sector to deal with the simplest issues. Due to the strict hierarchy, heavy bureaucracy, pettiness and distinction between senior and junior staff, greater value and importance are placed on those high on the totem pole and the opinions and problems of those below are trivialised and/or ignored. And anything deemed a criticism is met with reproach or intimidation. Many education officials who were once teachers themselves are no different because they came from that system. For instance, in 2016 I went to a secondary officer who is now an ACEO seeking a transfer. I rightfully could have requested this given that I’d already served four years. Instead, of simply facilitating my transfer the officer wanted to know the exact issues I was facing at the school then outright refused to believe me.
She had no intention of verifying my claims but instead chose to humiliate and body shame me in the presence of others, including a former student (her secretary) because she and the HM were on friendly terms. I was forced to stand up and turn around so that she could observe the outline of my backside. I ended up in tears and she accused me of wearing a ‘tight’ skirt even though my skirt was below my knees. How am I supposed to hide the outline of my body unless I wear very loose clothing and is this even a requirement? Am I a two-dimensional person? Just because I spoke with this officer my life at that school became worse. I was denied the transfer and the officer informed the HM of what I said.
This is just one incident, but it exemplifies the manner in which the MoE officials deals with matters brought to them by lowly teachers, yet they are offended when one seeks other ways to be heard. Editor, I do hope that in the future I am not subjected to another ambush masked as a meeting. I believe that there are procedures that could be followed to ensure all parties are treated fairly and whatever is done or said is for the benefit of the school system.
Sincerely,
(Name and Address Provided)