National Union of Public and Private Educators (NUPPEZ) has urged Government to extend additional responsibility allowances to all teachers undertaking duties beyond their normal classroom responsibilities.
NUPPEZ Executive President, Dr. Charity Kampamba said in a statement that the Union welcomes Government’s move to begin the process of remunerating Guidance and Counselling Teachers and District Guidance and Counselling Coordinators for their additional responsibilities.
“NUPPEZ appreciates Government for acknowledging the need to start the process of ensuring that Guidance and Counselling Teachers and District Guidance and Counselling Coordinators are appropriately remunerated for their additional responsibilities,” Dr. Kampamba said.
She said the move was a positive step towards recognizing teachers who perform duties beyond their normal classroom responsibilities, particularly those providing guidance and counselling services to learners.
Dr. Kampamba, however, stated that Government should broaden the initiative to include other teachers performing additional duties without corresponding financial recognition.
“Guidance and counselling is not the only area where teachers are carrying additional responsibilities without corresponding financial recognition. There are several other positions, including sports masters, and teachers responsible for health related duties in schools, among others, who equally deserve consideration,” she said.
Dr. Kampamba stressed that NUPPEZ has consistently raised the need for an Additional Responsibility Allowance during negotiations with Government.
She said where adjusting the salary scale of teachers undertaking such duties may not be feasible, Government should consider providing a specific allowance to recognize their additional responsibilities.
“NUPPEZ therefore calls on Government to ensure that this process takes a broader perspective and does not focus only on Guidance and Counselling but all those who are assigned additional responsibilities should be considered for appropriate remuneration,” Dr. Kampamba urged.
Dr. Kampamba noted that recognizing teachers undertaking additional duties would help motivate them and ensure the extra services they provide to the education system are appropriately valued.
