This archive report was first published on 5 July 2021.
The Teachers Service Commission has announced a major shake-up in its recruitment process, awarding higher points to teachers under its internship program.
From 10 to 30 per cent, the points awarded to interns have been significantly increased, while those awarded to unemployed teachers who graduate from college have fallen from 50 per cent to 25 per cent.
According to sources, the move has sparked controversy among teachers, with some questioning the fairness of the new system.
“Internship is meant to make someone gain experience. Is it to say that only public schools can give that experience? Why is a teacher disadvantaged for working in a private institution serving public students?” a teacher was quoted as saying.
Under the new system, teachers with a Masters degree and first class honours bachelor’s degree who graduated in 2015 or earlier will also gain a significant boost, increasing their chances of getting jobs with the commission.
The TSC is seeking to employ 4,000 new secondary school teachers on a permanent and pensionable term, as well as 2,897 more to replace retired teachers in high schools, 1,000 vacancies in primary schools, and promote 1,000 teachers from primary to secondary schools.
