JSS teachers clash with head teachers, decry discrimination

JSS teachers hold Protest in Embu. May 16, 2024. [Muriithi Mugo, Standard] There is a simmering turbulence in Junior Secondary Schools with newly confirmed teachers staging war in schools, straining relationships with their bosses and colleagues from primary division. For more than two years, a growing rift between Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers and their supervisors has created a tense working environment, disrupting the smooth delivery of education. The friction has pitted head teachers against newly recruited JSS educators, with accusations of disrespect, insubordination, and even incitement being thrown around. One such teacher received a stern letter from the administration, warning of consequences due to alleged misconduct. "This office has noted with much concern your lack of respect for authority, including insubordination and professional misconduct as pertains to your teaching and ethical standards," the letter stated, with a copy forwarded to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Sub-County Director. The letter also cautioned that further actions could be taken if the teacher's behavior did not improve. "Your lack of respect for this office and behavior towards colleagues is tantamount to gross professional misconduct. Indeed, efforts to guide and counsel you to reform your behavior have fallen on deaf ears. You are arrogant, rude, and dismissive towards others," it further read. Another head teacher accused a JSS teacher of incitement and insubordination. "The teacher has changed immediately after confirmation from an intern position. She has started conducting roles that are not ours in school and even spearheading the rights of other teachers by inciting them against their head teachers, threatening her head teacher whenever questioned about her duties," he stated. Since the introduction of Grade 7 in 2023, conflicts have escalated, with some JSS teachers feeling alienated and discriminated against. Many lament being sidelined from extracurricular activities, particularly games often reserved for their primary school colleagues. The situation came to a head last year when a head teacher expelled a JSS teacher from an ongoing staff meeting-a moment that went viral on social media. "The strain not only affects relationships but also the delivery of the curriculum," said one teacher, urging the TSC to intervene. "We need a resolution to this standoff to ensure a conducive learning environment for our students." JSS teachers have long advocated for their independence from primary school leadership. At present, they work under the supervision of primary school head teachers, which they argue causes unnecessary friction. Many JSS teachers are university graduates who, under the 8-4-4 system, would have been teaching in secondary schools. Headteachers and teachers promoted from primary teachers who previously possessed Diplomas complain of being demeaned by the newly recruited teachers. "They look at us as lesser people before them and have gone to the extent of having their corner in the staffroom. We have the same qualification as they have with more work experience than them," one teacher said. Kenya Junior School Teachers Association (KeJUSTA) Secretary General Daniel Muriithi emphasized the need for autonomy. "The current system that puts us under primary school head teachers is untenable," he said. He also expressed concerns about the challenging work environment, describing some schools as "crime scenes" due to escalating conflicts. Muriithi further raised concerns about systematic discrimination, intimidation, and threats faced by JSS teachers. "Our association has documented multiple cases where JSS teachers have been denied access to their classes, barred from serving as class teachers, and excluded from decision-making processes," he said. KeJUSTA is also calling on the TSC to investigate alleged collusion between head teachers and county/sub-county directors to create an unconducive work environment. Despite the challenges, KeJUSTA Secretary General Muriithi affirmed their commitment to serving their students. "We remain dedicated to supporting the TSC in ensuring smooth operations within our institutions and preparing learners for a competent and optimistic future," Muriithi affirmed.

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