Teachers’ placement provides relief to schools

KUCHING: The placement of new teachers in Sarawak is hoped to be able to address the issue of shortage of teachers in the state.

Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU) president Kullin Djayang said the matter is able to provide relief to the schools.

“We hope the increased number of teaching staff in our schools is able to enhance the schools’ learning environment to be more effective and conducive,” he said in a statement.

He was responding to the Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS) in receiving 1,108 new teachers consisting of graduates from public and private universities for posting in the state.

Of the total, 422 teachers were given placement in primary schools and the remaining 686 teachers in secondary schools, effective Dec 28.

Kullin also extended gratitude to the Ministry of Education (MOE), JPNS, Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD) for their initiative in addressing the shortage of teachers nationwide, particularly in Sarawak.

“As a union responsible for the welfare and professional development of teachers, STU assures MOE and the public that STU will continue to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders on educational issues.

“Our goal is clear, which is to safeguard the welfare of our members who work at the schools so that they can focus on developing high-quality, integrity, and internationally competitive human capital,” he said.

He also expressed hope that the Minister of Education fulfils the recent statement by prioritising local Sarawakians to serve in their homeland.

“Although there have been new teachers sent to Sarawak, the number is still insufficient.

“Therefore, in the future, we hope MOE will consistently provide more new teachers to replace those who have transferred or retired in the state,” he said.