The Eastern Regional Chapter of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has called on senior high school (SHS) headmasters and headmistresses in the region to cease penalizing teachers who miss Professional Learning Community (PLC) sessions. According to the association, such actions are not outlined in the Ghana Education Service (GES) Code of Conduct, and therefore, teachers should not face sanctions for non-attendance.
At a press conference in Koforidua , Eastern Regional NAGRAT Chairman, Godwin Awoonor-Yevu, emphasized that while PLC sessions are valuable for professional development, attendance of teachers should not be mandatory nor tied to penalties. He pointed out that some SHS heads have imposed salary embargos on teachers who miss PLC sessions, demanding apology letters before restoring their pay.
Mr. Awoonor-Yevu explained that PLC sessions offer credit points toward Continuous Professional Development (CPD), which is designed to enhance the skills and expertise of teachers. However, he stated that teachers can also earn these points through other accredited professional development opportunities.
Citing Section 20 of Ghana’s Labour Law (Act 651), Mr. Awoonor-Yevu noted that all workers, including teachers, are entitled to leave. He asserted that it is unfair to penalize teachers, especially when they have valid reasons for missing PLC sessions, and called for adjustments to accommodate teachers’ schedules to foster a positive work environment.
Specifically addressing the headmaster of Akwamuman SHS, Asuoko Anim-Addo, Mr. Awoonor-Yevu claimed that Mr. Anim-Addo has required teachers to submit apology letters to lift a salary embargo for July and August 2024. He warned that NAGRAT may escalate the issue to its national headquarters if the embargo is not lifted.
He further urged Municipal and District Directors of Education to refrain from penalizing teachers over CPD and PLC non-attendance. Mr. Awoonor-Yevu called on administrators and policymakers to address this issue promptly to support a fair and productive work environment for teachers, whom he described as the backbone of Ghana’s education system.
Source: https://dew360.net
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