Teachers unfazed by challenges
THE Teachers’ Dignity Coalition ( TDC) has assured that public teachers are ready to serve for another school year despite problems and hardships they are facing as classes resumed on yesterday.
According to Benjo Basas, TDC national chairperson , they are still facing the perennial problems such as lack of classrooms, armchairs, instructional materials and even teachers.
“We observe these woes every year, so they are not new. But what’s worst, is that the situation of remains the same for decades.
“There may be changes to the curriculum or even to the physical condition of our classrooms and schools, but the condition of the teachers is the most important and should be given priority,” Basas said.
The group noted that teachers are still overburdened with redundant clerical work that gets worse every day and class sizes reaching as high as 50 to 55.
The group reiterated its demand to compensate the loss days intended for school break, previously referred to as summer vacation of teachers.
“The last school year officially ended on July 14, 2023, and the school year 2023- 2024 begins on August 29, 2023, therefore, we were only granted a 45-day school break as opposed to the standard 60,” Basas said.
He added that the 60-day end-of-school year break ensures that teachers have sufficient time to rest, recharge, and physically prepare for the next school year.
This also serves as a substitute for the supposed vacation and sick leave to which public school teachers are not entitled.
The group also urged President Ferdinand Marcos to make good of his promise to hike the salaries of public school teachers.
“One of Marcos Jr.’s platforms during his election campaign was to raise the salaries of our public school teachers. As a senator, he was consistent in filing a bill to raise teacher pay during the 15th and 16th Congress. Now that he is the President, he has all the power and influence to make it happen,” said Basas, adding that since 2010, the group has been pushing for a P10,000 across-the-board increase for DEPED employees.
