KUCHING: A briefing should be held for all teachers on the special promotion system which categorises teachers into four levels in their career path to better understand the new system.
Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datin Fatimah Abdullah said the briefing would avoid confusion and dissatisfactory feelings among primary school teachers.
She said the promotion method, to be implemented on Jan 1 next year, as announced by the Prime Minister recently, applies to both secondary and primary schools teachers. Teachers will be categorised into regular teachers, senior teachers, wibawa (credible) teachers and pendeta (luminary) teachers.
“Since there are people who are still confused with the method, what we can do now is to hold a briefing for all the teachers so that they would have better understanding on their career paths,” she said.
She was asked to comment on teachers of primary schools who were unhappy and dissatisfied with the new promotion method, after chairing a meeting on ‘Development of Multiple Intelligence Among Children as Basis of Competent Individuals’ convention held at her office at Wisma Bapa Malaysia on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had announced recently of a special promotion method for teachers, which categorises teachers into four levels, to spur them to work harder to achieve a higher grade based on performance.
He also said those who showcase excellent quality as stipulated by the Teaching Service Promotion Board could reach Special Grade C and above before they retire.
Teachers who were not promoted to Special Grade could still enjoy an annual salary increment, he added.
The government will also raise the salary
grade of 1,228 secondary school principals from DG48 to DG52 and to upgrade 6,585 senior assistant teachers (GPK) in charge of administration, academic affairs and co-curriculum in secondary schools from DG44 to DG48.
All 99 GPK in charge of administration, academic affairs and co-curriculum in cluster primary schools would also be promoted to DGA34 from DGA32.
“Najib’s statement did not specifically mention it will be for secondary school teachers only and that the creation of four levels had included all teachers, both in the secondary and primary school,” said Fatimah.