Teaching Service Commission (TSC)

Teacher audit program begins in Morobe

Teacher validation is the first process of teacher- audit. Basically to verify and confirm the names and faces of teachers to the teaching positions they are appointed to.

This program aims to address the issue of funding vacant teaching positions in the provinces. 

Teaching positions in all provinces are funded by the government every year and the launch of this program will help to ensure these positions are filled.

Quality teaching vital

This is a statement by the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) chairman, Samson Wangihomie during the dedication service of the Department of Education and Office of Library and Archives held last week.

This is aligned with the theme for this year, “Transform Teaching and Learning to Achieve Reality Education through effective Service Delivery”.

Mr Wangihomie divided the theme “TTESD” into three parts first being the Transforming Teaching and Learning, starting with teacher training.

TSC backs improvement of teachers’ welfare

The TSC made reference to Education Minister, Jimmy Uguro’s recent statement in parliament, where he highlighted the need to ensure that teachers receive the benefits they are entitled to.

“We acknowledge that the remuneration and overall treatment of teachers have a direct impact on the standard of education,” said chairman, Samson Wangihomie.

“Furthermore, we echo the Minister's sentiments regarding the vital role teachers play, especially in rural areas. Their commitment is commendable and showcases their unwavering dedication to education.

TSC meets with PNGTA

The meeting was held on Thursday April, 27th, 2023 at the Vulupindi Haus in Port Moresby. Executives from PNGTA brought a working document to present to TSC for comments then later present it to the department of Personal Management (DPM) for action.

PNGTA National vice president, Shenell Kou said some of the issues captured in the document include, teachers housing allowances, teachers’ salary fixation and teachers training.

TSC Appointment Applauded

Branch president, Tony Marupi, said the appointment of teaching service advisor, Mufuanuc Teka Zurete, will now make things easier when it comes to addressing teachers’ welfare.

“Our welfare will be looked at because the association can now deal directly with the officer and teachers can actually find out properly about appointments, the Act itself, the conditions of employment; all these things can be ironed out properly here rather than them going down to Port Moresby,” stated Marupi.

“We welcome this.

Powers delegated to Oro education division

The signing was between the Teaching Service Commission and the Oro Provincial Government.

TSC acting Commissioner, Samson Wangihomie, said the idea is to take the service to where its recipients are, hence the delegation of powers.

Teachers in Northern no longer need to waste resources to go to Waigani as the powers delegated to Oro include payroll, vacation, compassionate and sick leave, health of member and leave without pay for up to two years. The Oro Education Division has been delegated powers under the Teaching Service Act Part VIII.

School torn between 2 principals

The Bomana De La Salle Secondary School, outside Port Moresby, currently has a principal appointed by the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) and a nominee from the Catholic Agency itself.

The former principal, James Ume, officially announced his retirement on January 22, 2018, and handed over the reins to Br. Anthony Swamy Pancas.

However, on the 1st of February, a secondary school coordinator delivered TSC’s decision to re-appoint retired officer Ume to the principal’s position.

Teachers’ unethical conduct concerns Commission

TSC chairman, Baran Sori, says the breaching of the professional and personnel code of conduct has brought distrust, shame, disrespect and ridicule to the teaching profession.

“Such behaviour will not be tolerated and teachers caught in such actions shall be suspended without pay and terminated from the Teaching Service,” warns Sori.

“I remind teachers that parents have very high trust on you to take responsibility to care, protect and teach their children in your charge and any action contrary to this trust is bad for the teaching profession.

Teachers expected to resume today

“Resumption of duties has always been a problem for some years with over 15,000 teachers not resuming duties on time during the resumption week,” says Teaching Service Commission chairman, Baran Sori.

“I warn teachers that the Commission will strictly manage teachers’ performance this year through Resumption of Duty Summary Sheet.

Commission will tackle teachers’ issues: Sori

This was the promise from TSC chairman Baran Sori in his 2017 back to school message to teachers.

“The Commission does not have money in the 2017 Budget Appropriation to address these issues, but lack of budget support will not prevent the Commission from carrying its legislative roles and responsibilities to ensure members of the Teaching Service continue to provide education to the children of PNG,” stated Sori.