Teachers question six-year promotion requirement
Teachers who obtain formal qualifications after already serving in the education sector may be disadvantaged by promotion requirements that require them to accumulate a further six years of experience after qualifying.
The concern was raised through a parliamentary question seeking clarity on whether the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport and Culture recognises teaching experience gained before a teacher obtains formal qualifications when assessing eligibility for promotional positions.
Kamutuwa Rosa Mbinge from Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) questioned whether teachers who have spent several years in the education sector should be required to start accumulating their experience from scratch once they obtain their formal qualifications, "Does the industry have a policy that recognises teaching experiences gained before a teacher" she asked. The question also asked whether the ministry would consider reviewing the current promotion requirements to allow teachers to be shortlisted based on their combined teaching experience, qualifications, performance and other relevant criteria. " When does the Ministry intend to address this matter, given the importance of recognition of teachers, professional development, and retaining experienced educators in the education system?"
Mbinge also asked what measures the ministry has in place to ensure that experienced teachers who upgrade their qualifications are not disadvantaged in their career progression if the current promotion requirements remain unchanged.
