This article was first published in New Vision Newspaper on May 7, 2014
I have been compelled to write this article because of the continued demonisation of teachers, orchestrated by some people claiming to be their representatives or who care more for them. The debate on the plight of the teachers has largely hinged on the emoluments of teachers, especially those in public service.
It is a fact that teachers are not getting adequate pay. Fortunately, there is no denying this on the side of the Government. But research has shown that no salary is satisfactory. It is also generally agreeable among managers and human resource experts that salary is not the only motivator of employees.
Take it to another level and Maslow will adduce his hierarchy of needs (the more you get, the more
you aspire for more). The economists will also advance their case on the insatiable needs of man.
I am inclined to believe that the demand for a salary increment by teachers has been hijacked by
some forces. That’s why there is a propensity to paint the teachers in this country and the teaching
profession as a despicable thing!
At a quick glance, there is no positive thing that has been said of the most important human resource
that trains other professionals needed for economic development and in the pursuance of our Vision
2040. Apart from a few media houses like New Vision that reward “Teachers Making a Difference” annually, you do not hear any positive or uplifting voices.
Resource envelope
Since we are in agreement that our teachers are not getting “enough” salaries, we then need to delve into the reasons why this is so, study them thoroughly and come out of that debate with a voice that will not demotivate teachers. When I first became a teacher in 1988 and was posted to Ndejje SS in the then post-war Luwero district, the conditions were pathetic. A teacher wore one shirt throughout the week, with trousers, either patched at the hem or knee!
The shirts would be faded, the kind we would buy in Owino or Shauriyako market. We would reach school scathed by the long distances and the sweat map in the armpits would tell it all. The conditions were bad. We persevered and matched on with the shoes that betrayed us with worn-out soles and the evident cobbler mending threads. This was because we took all the positives in our work, devotion and calling.
There were not so many voices to pull us down and puncture our morale. Today, it is different. The teacher has been undressed by people who purport to fight for his rights and well-being. The teacher’s salary is discussed and published in the media often! What do you expect this will do to his morale that day?
How will the pupils whom he or she teaches think of him or her? The Government has pleaded its case that while it realises the need to enhance teachers’ pay, the resource envelope’s capacity cannot meet the bill. While it was expected to expand, the recent donor cuts have not helped the situation.
Salary is not a one-off payment. Once you approve it, you are bound to pay until eternity for the teachers on the payroll, unless upon retirement or serving a punishment. Note that the Government is the biggest employer, and other public servants are equally watching with interest. No one should misconstrue their seeming indifference.
Given the state of the country’s budget, it is incumbent on all of us to come up with schemes that can help motivate and inspire teachers. Sometimes, little things can make a difference. Research has shown that feeling valued, having a good rapport with your leaders and having strong relationships with colleagues combine to strongly affect a teacher’s sense of belonging. This sense of belonging has a significant correlation with job satisfaction
Parents have a big role to play
A word of thank you to the teachers, a phone call or even seasonal greetings cards can show teachers the community cares. The private sector, business sector and even personalities in this republic can also make a difference in this drive to motivate our teachers. They could start prizes for outstanding teachers in districts or at national level.
I would, for example, be happy to attend a launch of Wavah Inspirational Award that would annually recognise the most dedicated primary or high school science teacher! It would even be more satisfactory to witness in our lifetime the “Hon Ssewungu Motivational Award” to recognise the most dedicated teacher in Kalungu district.
I am in talks with the Rotary Club of Mengo and other rotary and lions’ clubs to come up with a vocational award for teachers making a difference. It could be someone showing exemplary dedication in a remote area, it could be about long service, it could be someone just good at his professional conduct or the exceptional way he nurtures children.
A board or committee could help select such a teacher who could be given a cheque or voucher, plus a certificate in his honour. Supervision is one of the motivators. Founding bodies, local councils, and education committees at all levels need to increase their superintendent field visits. Let us all own, encourage, care for, love and support the teachers. After all, we know that the teacher determines the quality of the human resource of the country.
The writer is the Minister of State for Higher Education
