Ministry looks to cut temporary teaching posts
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Thursday July 27, 2017 15:59
Addressing school heads at the ongoing National Primary School Heads Conference in Gaborone, MoBE's permanent secretary, Grace Muzila said efforts are being made to reduce the number of temporary teachers, by creating more permanent vacancies.
However, Muzila pointed out that the ministry will not completely do away with employing temporary teachers due to openings created by maternity cases and teachers who secure opportunities for further studies.
Currently the country has 1,303 temporary teachers based at junior and senior secondary schools.
“This year we were given 1,030 permanent posts, and we are hopeful that the next financial year will give us another 1,000 posts.
However, I must tell you that temporary teachers will always be there because of openings such as maternities and further training,” Muzila said.
In response to how teachers will be covered by the forthcoming Botswana Teaching Professionals Council Bill, Muzila stated that all qualified teachers will be registered and licensed before being employed for temporary or permanent basis. Meanwhile, the ministry’s chief education officer, Moses Mengwe told the school heads that consultations with stakeholders regarding the Bill were ongoing.
“The Bill was set for tabling in Parliament during the July session, but due to some delays, it has been postponed,” he said. “I’m hopeful that the Bill will be presented before the end of the year.” Mengwe said the main functions of the Bill will be to regulate the teaching profession, maintain professional and ethical standards including teaching knowledge, skills and competence, license teachers, establish, publish, review and maintain a code of ethics for teachers, and review as well as advise on professional standards for teachers.