Curriculum Support Officers (CSOs) want the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to consider them for Principal Teacher Management Officer (PTMO) positions while they are still young and vibrant.
Their concerns stem from recent PTMO promotions that favored older officers, sidelining younger and more enthusiastic CSOs who want to showcase their skills in teacher management at the sub county level.
Increased Workload, Stagnant Career Growth
A job satisfaction and motivation survey among CSOs revealed frustrations over increased workload without corresponding remuneration. Many officers feel they are overlooked in promotions despite their critical role in curriculum implementation.
“I have been a head teacher for many years and now a CSO, why should I wait until I am 55 or 58 years to be promoted to PTMO?” asked Andrew, who was shortlisted for the 2023 PTMO promotions but was not selected.
Succession Planning Concerns
A big cohort of CSOs was promoted to PTMO positions in 2023 but many of them are now retiring in mass leaving human resource officers to handle teacher management issues in sub counties.
“Most of those promoted in 2023 are now exiting. This leaves offices in a precarious position, forcing human resource officers to oversee teacher management issues,” said a CSO from Kiambu County, adding at 46 years she was well prepared to take sub county leadership.
CSOs argue TSC is not recognizing importance of experience in succession planning and instead is prioritizing age over merit and competence.
CSOs Expanded Roles and Leadership Potential
Today CSOs hold many responsibilities that are similar to those of sub county directors including:
- Overseeing and managing educational programs
- Providing leadership in curriculum implementation
- Coordinating curriculum support officers
- Facilitating teacher registration and enforcing compliance
Despite these duties their career progression is uncertain as TSC continues to favor older officers for higher positions.
National Meeting to Address Promotion Concerns
A two day national meeting will be held from March 21st at Moi Avenue School where county CSO chairpersons will discuss promotion criteria and career progression.They expect to be heard.