Experienced teachers excluded

THE Education Department is finally moving ahead with great gusto in filling the vacant posts. Why did it have to take such drastic measures, especially from the northern areas schools, to compel it into doing this?

Is it only when it is threatened that it reacts and gets things done?

This is a relief for many teachers, but mainly for the children and their parents. At last, proper education can now start taking place.

However, it frightens me if I consider the severe backlog faced by these unfortunate little pawns, the children, the future of this country.

Another concern of mine is that the department does not want any previously employed teacher to apply for these posts. It only wants the Funza Lushaka bursary holders to fill these posts.

It leaves me with the utmost sadness, and I feel so disheartened and totally unappreciated by this department. I resigned from teaching a good couple of years ago, only to return as an SGB teacher as I missed the children terribly.

Teaching is my passion and I simply love the children I teach. Most of them are from the townships while my school is a former Model C school (a former whites only school).

I have extensive experience, have an absolute passion for teaching, especially mathematics, assisting those who struggle. Ex-pupils of mine who I bump into still hug me hello and tell me that I was one of their best teachers.

This wasn't because I was anything other than caring and passionate. However, the department now sees fit to exclude me from applying for posts as I used to "be in the system".

So I am now dead wood in its eyes whereas I have a lot to contribute in education. I am being overlooked.

This leaves me feeling totally unappreciated for all the years of dedication and passion I've given to education.

I do realise that the young students also need to be given the opportunity, but remember what happened many years ago when the department offered voluntary severance packages to a certain age group of teachers? It left gaping holes of experienced teachers in schools.

I sincerely hope that this is not perpetuated. I will somehow find a way of continuing to serve the future generation of South Africa.

Cry, the beloved country. My heart is weeping.

Unappreciated teacher, Port Elizabeth