TSC commends teachers

THE Teaching Service Commission has commended teachers throughout the country for completing another successful year of education for more than 1.5 million children as they break for Christmas.
In a joint statement last
week commissioners Sam­son Wangihomie (policy) and Mathew Pobaya (operations) said: “Teachers rarely receive the commendation they deserve for their effort.
“We are reminded that many schools are not only operating well but doing so with new initiatives through the reforms driven by our teachers.
“Sadly, the TSC only hears the downside of what is happening in schools. Too often, media reports focus on occasional problems and not the success of learning, the result of teachers’ ‘labour of love’ through their teaching.”
In paying tribute to resigned and retired teachers, the commission said some teachers had resigned while others had retired after reaching the age of 60 or above.
The commission praised church agencies for supporting teachers, particularly in remote areas, who without their support, the government would only achieve 50% of the education tasks.
The PNG Teachers Association was acknowledged for negotiating salary increases for teachers last year until 2013.
Apart from a 6% salary increase, there was a teaching service allowance equal to 8% of their annual base salary and payable on a fortnightly basis with normal pay as agreed to with PNGTA.
This accounts for all exigencies, hardships and inconveniences, working conditions, including utilisation of own accommodation for the conduct of after-hours community liaison and the work given the increasing class sizes.
The 2012 school year starts on Jan 31 for teachers and Feb 6 for students.
The commission wish­ed teachers and their fa­milies a blessed Christmas and a happy and safe 2012.