A teacher from St. Mary’s Gataka Secondary School in Mbeere South, Embu County, finds themselves in hot water after being accused of insubordination and negligence of duty. The teacher is facing disciplinary action after a letter from the school’s Board of Management (B.O.M) was leaked, highlighting various offenses, with the primary concern being the teacher’s continuous use of their mobile phone during critical school meetings.
The letter, signed by Principal Bernard Muchindoh and dated August 29, 2024, details four specific incidents that the school management has cited as grounds for disciplinary measures. These actions have raised concerns among education stakeholders in the region, especially as the teacher’s behavior is considered detrimental to the academic progress of the students.
Incidents Leading to Disciplinary Action
The first issue raised in the letter involved the teacher using their phone throughout a staff meeting on July 30, 2024. This particular meeting was held after the school had officially closed for the term, which suggests that the session was vital for the teachers to prepare for the upcoming academic period. Despite the importance of the meeting, the teacher allegedly disregarded the proceedings and continued using their phone.
The second offense occurred during the opening staff meeting for the new term, where the teacher was once again caught using their phone. Even after being instructed to stop, the teacher reportedly continued, dismissively claiming they were merely “touching the phone.” This response has been interpreted as a direct act of defiance and disrespect toward school authority.
In addition to the use of the phone during meetings, the teacher is accused of failing to meet deadlines for setting exams. The letter highlights a specific instance regarding the opener exams for Term 3, where the teacher did not set the necessary exams during the holiday period as required. This negligence, according to the letter, further exacerbated the situation and placed undue pressure on both the students and the school administration.
The final issue mentioned in the letter concerns the teacher’s failure to teach Form 4 students. An extra timetable had been drawn up on July 9, 2024, to ensure the syllabus was covered in time for the national exams. However, the teacher reportedly neglected to follow the schedule, further endangering the academic future of the Form 4 students who are preparing for their final exams.
Demands from the School Administration
In the letter, the Board of Management, represented by the principal, has requested that the teacher provide a written explanation for each of the mentioned offenses within 24 hours of receiving the letter. The B.O.M has warned that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation will result in disciplinary action.
The letter also signals that the issue has been escalated to the Teacher Service Commission (TSC) representative in Mbeere South, as well as the Sub-County Director of Education (SCD). This escalation suggests that the case may lead to more severe consequences for the teacher, potentially involving the TSC’s intervention.
Impact on the School and Community
This incident has raised concerns about teacher accountability and discipline in schools. St. Mary’s Gataka Secondary School is located in Kiritiri, Embu County, and has been striving to maintain a high standard of education. The involvement of the B.O.M in this case highlights the school’s commitment to ensuring that all teachers uphold their responsibilities and contribute to the students’ academic success.
As the disciplinary process unfolds, many will be watching closely to see the outcome and how this case impacts both the teacher’s career and the overall environment at St. Mary’s Gataka Secondary School.
