The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Amendment Bill has proposed strict measures for teachers hosting students outside school premises.
The bill, currently open for public input, outlines various disciplinary actions for teachers engaging in such activities.
It categorizes hosting students in teachers’ homes, guest houses, or hotels as a significant offense.
Also, involving students in household chores at teachers’ residences is also considered a serious breach of conduct.
“The following shall constitute disciplinary offences in the teaching service; sending or hosting leaners in teachers’ residences, guest houses, hotel and lodging, and also engaging learners to undertake household chores at teachers’ residence” read the TSC bill in part.
Disciplinary Acts According to TSC
TSC outlined a wide range of misconduct, from offenses like sexual solicitation and sodomy to lesser infractions such as chronic lateness, absenteeism, drunkenness, fighting, and use of vulgar language.
“Immoral behaviors with a learner including sexual harassment, exposure to pornography and professional misconduct including negligence of duty, chronic absenteeism and poor performance of duty are all considered disciplinary offences in the teaching service,” the amendment reads in part.
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Likewise, the commission notes that submitting forged documents or tampering with official records is deemed as severe misconduct.
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Consequences of These Offences
According to the amendment bill, penalties for these offenses vary, including warning letters, surcharges, suspensions for up to six months, or removal from the teachers’ register.
The bill also mentions more severe punishments like forced retirement, dismissal, or termination of membership.
However, teachers have the opportunity to appeal these decisions before a tribunal.
Recently, the TSC deregistered 23 teachers for various disciplinary infractions. As such, the commission publicized the removal of these teachers through a Gazette notice, citing their TSC numbers and the date of removal.
“In exercise of powers conferred by section 30 (1) (e) of the teachers Service Commision Act, the Commision wishes to notify the public that the persons whose names are specified in the schedule herein below have been removed from the Register of Teachers pursuant to the provision of section 30 (2) of the Teachers Service Commission Act,” the commission’s notice read in part.
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Objectives of The Commission’s Move
This move underscores the TSC’s commitment to maintaining professional standards among teachers and ensuring the safety and well-being of students.
Furthermore, TSC’s amendment bill reflects a stricter approach to maintaining professional standards within the teaching profession.
By outlining clear consequences for misconduct, the commission aims to uphold integrity and professionalism among educators.
