IT was a long-awaited directive by the Education Ministry and Public Service Department (PSD) to finally “reward” teachers who had upgraded themselves from the certificate/diploma schemes after graduating with a degree.

The PSD has decided to give a one-off increment (a year’s raise, which is less than RM100) to teachers who graduated from 1997 onwards.

While I applaud the gesture of the government in recognising the sacrifices of these teachers, I fail to understand why diploma or certificate holders who graduated before 1997 have been left out.

We, who graduated earlier, also went through the same experience. I got my degree in 1994 but was told that I am already eligible for scale DG44 and so I cannot be considered for the proposed incentive.

This is ridiculous. Those who graduated before 1997 should be given equal rights.

We went through the same process, whereby we had to sacrifice a lot of time, money and precious time with family. Some went through severe hardship and had to turn to moonlighting.

I believe these teachers deserve better treatment. We are not demanding for something out of the ordinary. Even a year’s salary adjustment is considered peanuts when compared with the sacrifices and dedication put in by these teachers.

I know friends from my batch who have gone on to do their master’s and doctorates but are still drawing the same pay like mine. Where is the recognition?

These teachers who have the teaching profession at heart (if not they would not bother to upgrade themselves) need better treatment.

One of the setbacks we had to face was that our seniority in service was lost because our years of service as non-graduates do not count. We are all well above 45 and some have even retired, but youngsters with even less than 10 years as a graduate teacher surpass us when it comes to promotions.

A quick look at secondary schools will show that it is teachers from our category who are mostly involved in the school activities, be it curriculum or co-curriculum. We are considered veterans but we get nothing for our work.

I hope the government and PSD give due consideration to the plight of these teachers. Please do not forget those who graduated earlier. We, too, went through the mill.

JAYARAJ K.G.S, Sitiawan

Source: NST – December 19, 2007