MBOMBELA – The resignation of teachers is still a concern in the province, hence they have been warned to think twice before they hand in their letters to the Department of Education.
The provincial MEC for education, Ms Reginah Mhaule appealed to teachers not to take this drastic step, but to consider the consequences of their decision as often some called after six months, begging to be re-employed. She said this while addressing those who recently attended the National Teaching Awards at provincial level in the Kruger National Park.
“It pains us to see our former employees suffering and texting every day begging to be taken back into the system. Teachers must think of all that and with the new law, the system will only allow you back after five years of your resignation,” she added.
Mpumalanga News learnt that besides being in need of money, there were many reasons that compelled teachers to throw in the towel to their noble profession. “There is so much pressure in this career, including the unfavourable conditions and being overworked,” explained a teacher who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“The department says one teacher teaches about 35 learners, but we end up having up to 60 in a class. The discipline also changes now and then and when the learners fail, one must account for why they had failed, and when they pass, one still needs to explain why the whole class passed,” he said.
Another teacher, who has been in this career for over 30 years, called on the education department to do introspection to ascertain why teachers resigned. “We should earn higher salaries than anyone else, but this is not happening, however, resignation is not the best option,” he added.
A maths and science teacher who resigned after punishing a learner for her mischievous behaviour at a school near Barberton, said life was really tough and stressful now that he was not working. “I’ve tried so many times to reapply, but nothing positive comes of it my colleagues should think thoroughly before they resign,” he said.
