Series 4: STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

7 THINGS THAT WOULD IMPROVE WELFARE OF PRIVATE SCHOOL TEACHERS


Having no leader is danger but having a bad leader is torment.

Essence of leadership can not ever be over-emphasized. When a people have the right leadership, it implies that there is proper provision for needs in sight, protection is assured, direction becomes a phenomenon,  projection for a better collective future is certain. It further connotes ease of progress and prosperity for all, purpose is defined for the collective existence and plans to achieve the common goals are set up and activated. In short, a lot of possibilities emerges when there is good leadership.

However, for so long a time, Teachers in private schools have been without leadership. Everyone is for himself or herself. It is the cause of all the symptoms (complaints) which private school teachers peddle about their job.

All the aforementioned attributes of leadership above remain a mirage as having men and women at helms of affairs in individual private schools is not the same as leadership in this context. So far, the persons who see to the affairs of Teachers in private schools are simply Managers. There is a huge difference between a leader and a manager.

Context-wise, the following distinguish one from the other.


MANAGER

1) Interested in teacher’s productivity or performance contributions to employer's vision.
2) Prioritises task/work above other things.
3) Maintains status quo (the way things are currently)
4) Thinks and plans just for a  few teachers in own school.
5) Cares for only a section of the whole spectrum of a teacher’s life



LEADER

1) Interested in the prosperity and well being of all teachers
2) Prioritises life above anything else
3) Challenges and changes status quo for an improved status- life & work.
4) Cares about the entire aspects of the life of teachers.
5) Thinks and plans in the general interest of all teachers.

Understand that there is need for leadership in the interest of the generality of Teachers in private schools. And it is this vacuum that this group is focused on in order to afford the concerned teachers an improved well being or welfare.

TEACHERS WELFARE SERIES 3: BE INVOLVED

7 THINGS THAT WOULD IMPROVE WELFARE OF PRIVATE SCHOOL TEACHERS

Status quo don't change just by complaining, and a vision without action is merely a dream.

To be involved is to actively participate  (participation + action) in the process of achieving the common goal- improved welfare system for private school teachers.

Being indifferent or passive about this initiative would only maintain the current status quo. So, active participation of every private school teacher in various ways would be required.

Remember that education is light and teachers are candle sticks that illuminate minds, so, the process of achieving the common dream (improved welfare) is devoid of violence, cynicism, physical, written and verbal attacks etc between the two parties (Private School Owners and Private School Teachers).
The ONLY weapon is the display of high intellectualism.


STEPS TO ACHIEVING THE COMMON DREAM

1) NEED ANALYSIS:
It is taking a critical and holistic view of all welfare issues or problems which private school teachers experience.
The objective is to identify all the causes of the welfare challenges. That is, why do you (teachers) complain?
I look forward to reading your comment on the causes or problems of poor welfare. It is a  demonstration of you being actively involved and committed to the change process.

2) NEED ARTICULATION
Having listed all the causes of the welfare problems as in point one above. Then, this phase requires breaking them  into definite or specific needs. As well as prioritising them according to the degree of importance and other factors.

3) ORGANISING
It is the planning process of an interface between private school owner(s) and private school teachers for an improved welfare system.

4) ENGAGEMENT
It is the phase of an actual meeting or dialogue between both parties as mentioned in point 3.

5) NEGOTIATION
A process in which both parties during an engagement session (point 4), list and argue on the articulated needs (terms) as well as make sacrifice or compromise on the demands of each of the parties for the purpose of reaching an agreement.

P.S: Don’t miss the next series. And invite colleagues (private school Teachers) to join the Facebook group; Private School Teachers Network. After the series comes the practical sides...

By Festus O. Odeyale

Series 2: STOP BUCK PASSING

Theme:   7 THINGS THAT WOULD IMPROVE WELFARE OF PRIVATE SCHOOL TEACHERS


Buck passing is the trading, shifting or apportionment of blame to a person or group of persons for the occurrence or existence of unpleasant conditions.

Teachers view and hold other stakeholders apart from themselves, liable and responsible for the poor welfare practices in the private sub-sector of education.

This belief has been the case for a very long time now but the fact remains that it has never resolved or improved the situation of welfare of private school teachers.

 Therefore, it is imperative to quit the old strategy which yields no desirable result. That is, stop buck passing. Stop blaming other stakeholders- school owners, government, parents… and the society at large. They are not the problem neither is the age long attitude the solution.

Teachers, it is time to focus on the real issues and do the needful.

TO DO:

*Define: Accept or reject that poor welfare for private school teachers exists.

*Analyse the problem objectively by taking into account the perspectives of all stakeholders.

*Identify definite causes of the problem from the analysis.

*Research on definite preventive and corrective  solutions to the identified causes of the problem.

P.S: Don’t miss the next series. And invite colleagues (private school Teachers) to join the Facebook group; Private School Teachers Network. After the series comes the practical sides...

Series 1: 7 THINGS THAT WOULD IMPROVE WELFARE OF PRIVATE SCHOOL TEACHERS

INTRODUCTION

What Is Welfare?
Simply defined as the provision of socio-economic assistance or support to Teachers for their comfort, benefit and promotion of total well-being.

It refers to general work or employment conditions and terms. Examples include medical etc.

PURPOSE:
*To provide better life and health.
*To make Teachers happy and satisfied.
*To keep morale... and motivation.
*To improve staff retention
*Relieve work stress or fatigue.
*Improve intellectual, cultural and living standard.

TYPES
Terms of employment or conditions of service usually contain two areas of welfare programmes.

(I) Statutory: Rights- compulsory and commanded by government. Example- payment of salary

(ii)Voluntary: Are privileges determined based on individual school objectives and other factors. Not compulsory.

INCENTIVES
Common examples of welfare programmes schools can practise or tinker with to meet above-stated purposes include:

a)Work hours
b)Work load
c)Work facilities
d)Promotional opportunities
e)Accommodation
f)Transportation
g)Career development
h)Special needs
i)Allowance
j)Savings scheme
k)Leave benefit
l)Others

School Owners or Management could review or create incentives on any of the above as it suits their goals.

Lack of good welfare for teachers is principally the chief reason for endless "Vacancy for Teachers".

Subsequent topics contain steps or actions to take for better or improved welfare of private school Teachers.

Don't miss out.

Join and invite other Teachers to join this facebook group- Private School Teachers Network.

7 THINGS THAT WOULD IMPROVE WELFARE OF PRIVATE SCHOOL TEACHERS

Preamble.
Understand that relationship between School-owners and Teachers is one that can not be broken as both parties can not exist without the other if there must be a formal system known as school. Therefore, both parties should see themselves as a team and foster a work relation that is mutual. This topic would be broached in series for maximum impact. It would also offer steps of action to take for an improvement in the quality of welfare of private school Teachers. Therefore, it's better to join the Facebook group (PRIVATE SCHOOL TEACHERS NETWORK) now in order not to miss any of the series...particularly if you are a Teacher in any private schools.

10 SURE THINGS THAT WOULD HAPPEN

When financially Weak and financially Strong private schools

or

When two or more financially Weak private schools

within same or different locations formally partner/merge/acquire the other, only one thing is lost- status of Sole-ownership.

But the following would result:

FOR CO-OWNERS

i)Increased population/enrollment
ii)Higher income for co-owners
iii)Shared/less burden of expenses
iv)Reduced/relaxed competition

FOR TEACHERS

v)Better salary & welfare
vi)Improved commitment & motivation

FOR LEARNERS

vii)Well-equipped school & standardised facilities
viii)Quality education & improved learning.

SOCIETY

ix)Well-educated people
x)Better skilled & employable people

Should Private Schools Partner/Merge?

THE 5 GENOTYPE OF TEACHER

Hey! Enough of just using any words. Hiring of Teachers is a serious exercise which requires sound intelligence not only about the process… but also the genotype of teachers you hire.

It is the summer season again when schools recruit teachers. Most of vacancy adverts which I have been seeing recently, strongly affirm the fact that many do not really know the kind of teacher they want to engage. They only speak english…

In the same vein, teachers also cannot properly profile and identify the class of teacher they belong to as individuals.

No surprise the different complaints about teachers as the problem is neither here nor there.

In fact, in spite of this glaring general shortcoming…, a good number of Educators still hold the view that they already know all about ‘teacher’ as a concept.

Well, don’t you revel too much on that view you ever have. Here is something fresh and new for you on classification of teacher. The terms and meanings are explained below.


1.TEACHER:
Is anyone who teaches without a valid certificate of formal training in education programmes or courses.


2. QUALIFIED TEACHER:
A holder of valid certificate of formal training in any education course or programme.


3. EXPERIENCED TEACHER:
Someone with or without a valid certificate of formal training in education course who can discharge teaching roles with little or no supervision based on developed capacity of high discretion over a reasonable years of practice.


4. EFFECTIVE TEACHER:
Register now for the Online Seminar (as attached) to discover Insights, Intrigues and Intricacies of Effective Teaching. Hurry, limited slots remaining!


5. _______ TEACHER:
The more reason you should register for the seminar now.


To register/reserve slots, tap the seminar image/photo on the left side bar of this blog post.

MISCONCEPTION ABOUT EFFECTIVE TEACHING

Do You Know: That a Degree or Certificate in Education does not imply Effective Teaching? Register for the Seminar (as attached) to receive insights on the definite essential factors responsible for effective teaching. Slots limited. Reserve Yours Today! Click the seminar image or photo at the top left side of this blog page now.

SKILL IMPROVEMENT FOR TEACHERS

A FEW OF SEMINAR PHOTOS

EXCURSION: THE PLACE OF TRANSFORMATION

Despite the fear harboured by some of them, the important lessons at the site was that their curious minds were satisfied, made to explore, the ignorant became aware and more knowledgeable as a few of them had no idea how poultry eggs are produced, types of poultry birds, feeds... what cassava tubers, its plants' stems, leaves  and end products are or look like. They watched the special birds- Turkeys displayed their beauty, splendour as well as fought each other fiercely to the consternation of the Pupils, a sight which scared away most of the children.

In short, the children were exposed to all sections of the farmland including flock of Sheep, Goats, farm implement, personnel, different methods of fishery etc.

They became transformed at the farmland as they know better afterwards than before their visit to the site.

EBOOK: TOP MISTAKES TEACHERS MAKE

                
ABOUT THE EBOOK

The ebook ‘Top Mistakes Teachers Make’ (TMTM), is about some critical but subtle teaching mistakes that many teachers make. They are soft skills with insights on teaching and learning processes.

 The mistakes which number beyond thirty, border around teacher’s attitude, teaching approaches, communication, relationship… and classroom management. They’re ideas from the personal teaching experiences of the Author as an Educator.

Over 90 pages written on topical basis with instances and other relevant resources which make its reading a fun and learning moment.

You can get copies right away by clicking on the ebook image towards the top left side of this post.

Do visit this site regularly for more updates.

TIME MANAGEMENT FOR STUDENTS

In a world that moves with a jet speed, everything is required to catch up with the pace in order not to become redundant or cut out of relevance.

Students are not left out of this race. In fact, it is now more important for learners to know how to cope with the many things that confront and compete for their attention almost at the same time these days.

Today, many students are found to be lagging behind in term of time management as it is seriously affecting their learning outcome. Now, an average student or pupil has his studies, domestic chores, own personal challenges, contributing in raising family finance among other things to contend with. This is unavoidably so due to the prevailing socio-economic challenges.

In the past centuries, students received priority and were less stressed but, the reverse is the order now as they have to struggle with adults for everything- opportunities, benefits... in their society. Since the social order has changed to the model that makes students become so vulnerable, it is necessary that a sane society would provide them support that will help them to survive the myriad of demands on their time. Many have been adversely affected academically and otherwise by the non-availability of this support system.

Effective time management is a basic and necessary survival skill. It is not enough to just gloss over it. The required techniques should be taught to students to enable them allocate their time judiciously in order to make the best out of it. Every student has same twenty-four hours of a day as adults.
Teaching of time management to students is not just the responsibility of schools only. Every family member- parent, guardian, aunt, uncle... should be involved.

The first setback to this idea is the general poor attitude to time. Most people lack the right culture to time management. Schools should be more organized or articulate in the presentation of the teaching of this subject matter.

Festus O. Odeyale        

EDUCATION MINISTRY: ITS STRATEGIC VALUES & ROLES IN ANTI-CORRUPTION CAMPAIGN

Source: Google
In the Private sector, effective organisations usually align all their resources to support all initiatives towards delivering and achieving their set objectives. The Public sector is however not an exempt in this regard.

In view of the on-going anti-corruption campaign of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Ministry of Education occupies a very strategic position with so much inherent potential which can facilitate the success of the campaign. As it is now, the government at the centre is fighting corruption which is the #Fruit but fails to align the ministry to tackle the #Root which is #ExamMalpractice. As a matter of fact, the anti-corruption campaign is only a chase of the symptoms but not the causes because of the failure of the government to realise the strategic value of the Education Ministry to the war against corruption. Therefore, the social menace called exam malpractice is assuming an impregnable status of a ferocious monster. It is fast becoming a fad to cheat in any examinations today. Subtly, the nefarious practice has attained the height of impunity and what was once regarded as a vice in the past is now a virtue which the system celebrates.

The strategic roles of the Education Ministry to the fight against corruption should not be undermined. There is inevitable need to challenge the leadership of the ministry to be awaken to this reality. The Presidency and the Nigerian people must demand it as a deliverable or contribution from the sector to the anti-corruption crusade. Enough of the aloofness or indifference of the education Leadership to the rampaging social menace- #ExamMalpractice which is fast consuming the Students and Pupils alike and in extenso, the country. The social vice, today, is seriously affecting disciplined schools which frown at examination malpractice by way of loss of patronage through withdrawal of students/pupils from their schools by parents to the schools which give room for misconduct. Wonder what this portends?

Now is the time for the three tiers of government to realise that anti-corruption war should start from schools with the model of "Catch Them Young" with "Zero Tolerance" for #ExamMalpractice. Specify performance target and set success benchmark for personnel to achieve. The Personnel department should align the civil servants to pursue the identified and clearly communicated goals in their various schools and classes.

National Assembly and the State Assemblies should support the campaign against exam-malpractice with the provision of legislation that will stem the tide. Should they fail to do this, then, there will be no end to certificate scandal rocking the hallowed chambers and distracting legislative processes. In the same vein, the Judiciary should do the needful when the need arises.

What then are the strategic values of the Ministry of Education to the anti-corruption crusade?

*It is positioned to nip the root (exam-malpractice) at the onset.
*It has the avalanche of human capital (civil servant population) to prosecute the war at little or no cost
*It possesses a wide coverage (nationwide)- Personnel and schools available in every community
*It can easily create and design a curriculum to re-orientate the growing children at little or no cost
*It can easily partner with other agencies like WAEC, JAMB, NAPPS, ANCOPPS etc to make a difference
And many more to explore.

FINANCIAL EDUCATION TO START SOON IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS- CBN

Source:Google

Teaching of Financial Education in primary and secondary schools will commence from the next academic session following the development of its curriculum by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development council (NERDC).  

The information was disclosed by the  Head of Consumer Education, CBN, khadija Kasim yesterday in Abuja during the event marking the celebration of the Global Money Week. 

According to her, the curriculum is designed to teach children about savings, investment and financial concepts so as to keep them informed from young age and enable them use financial services responsibly. The Nigerian Council on Education has approved the curriculum and it will be introduced in pilot states across the six geo-political zones nationwide beginning from October 2017.

SCHOOL MERGER: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UNFORESEEN

Source:Google
Considering the endless high proliferation of privately owned schools with the consequent poor, inadequate facilities and low standard of education, one cannot but bemoan the future of Nigeria. Competitively, the Nigerian students and pupils are at a gross disadvantage. No wonder the quality of labour supply to the labour market by the numerous tertiary institutions are remarked incompetent and unsuitable for employment needs.

To improve the situation, particularly in term of quality and the standard of education, a school of thought posit that all sub-standard-schools should be merged with the well-established counterparts.The view is that a pool of resources by the merging schools will afford them resources that will enable them to provide standard and quality education.

Premised on the fore-going, our correspondent during an interview with Mr.S.A Otubule, an Educationist and School Administrator, countered the view. He said that the idea is not practicable in the education industry because of many inherent factors that will frustrate it. According to him, "it is only theorectical, not practiceable".

Otubule said that the proliferation of schools particularly, the sub-standard ones is as a result of  the institutionalised corruption and laxity of government which people explore. He said that the damage has been done permanently to education. So, caution should be applied in an effort to revamp the system. He disclosed that the best government can do is to monitor and enforce standards only in an advisory capacity. Quoting him, "you cannot shut down an existing and thriving school just because it has no purpose-built classroom blocks or any other standard requirements for establishing a school".

The School Administrator further buttressed his view with the fact that most owners of the well-established schools will be unwilling to merge with their sub-standard counterparts. That a school with own challenges will not accept to inherit any problems of another school intending to merge with it. Another issue he raised is motives of establishing a school. He said that interests in this regard will conflict as an owner who is purely business-minded will prefer to compromise standards to reduce cost, whereas the counterpart is ready for quality at whatever cost. Also mentioned as intrinsic problem is the lack or inadequate experience and skills of managing a school. And that should merger be forced by legislation, only well-established schools will be favoured as the exercise will be in their own terms. Cited as well are the impacts of merger on parents and learners.

When asked if merger should be restricted only to schools of equal status or levels and not the previous model, Otubule stated that  the purpose of merger is defeated from onset then. He explained that such model will give room for double standards which will eventually mess up the objectives. He retorted that "instead of solving the existing problems, a new set of challenges will be created".

Suggesting solutions to the issue of revamping the system, he stated that government should raise the standard for existing schools, build more standardised schools and make its quality assurance inspectorate monitor the system in an advisory fashion.

JAMB: UTME 2017 FORMS FOR SALE FROM MARCH 20

Source: Google
The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will commence the sale of the much expected Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) forms on March 20th for the year 20172018 exercise.

The official position of the body was made known on Monday, March 13, 2017 by the Head of JAMB's Public Relations, Dr.Fabian Benjamin. He said the date was fixed following an agreement that was reached on the harmonization of the examination timetable at a meeting with other examination bodies on January 24th.

Quoting him,  “We will begin the sale of the admission forms on March 20, while UTME is scheduled to hold in May. “We are ready to commence the sales of the 2017/2018 admission forms for UTME and Direct Entry forms on the said date’’. 

It was also clarified by the board that the proposed mock examination which the body plans , would be optional or not be a pre-requirement for writing the main exam. It explains that mock exam is only meant to make candidates 'feel' what the main exam will be like and prepare them well for it in the month of May.

NIGER STATE: 100 TEACHERS TRAINED BY FOREIGN UNIVERSITY

 
Source: Google

In order to transform the education sector of Niger state, the state government has trained 100 teachers in partnership with the University of Cambridge, UK. 

 

The information was disclosed by the Niger State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hajiya Fatima Madugu during the 2017 budget proposal defence at the State House of Assembly.

According to her, N89million was paid for the training of the teachers on quality of instruction and modern teaching technologies for class use. 

 

In the same vein, the commissioner stated that the state has hired consultants to identify the problems and challenges facing education in the state and that they are almost through with the project. Hajiya fatima Madugu who seems unsatisfied with the 44 per cent performance of 2016 budget of the sector, said the 2017 budget would focus on rehabilitation and renovation of more schools in the state.

However, Bako Alfa, the Chairman, house committee on Education, Science and Technology and members cautioned the ministry against reckless spending. The warning was made at the instance of the N174million which the ministry earlier incurred on the hiring of consultants to transform the education sector. The committee wondered why the ministry did not look inward to engage technocrats and experts within the education ministry in order to save cost particularly at a time of dwindling revenue base.

Job Vacancy: Book-Keeper/Inventory Officer

Source: Google

Position: Book-Keeper/Inventory Officer

Requirement:
*HND/B.Sc in any social sciences.
*Not more than 30 years old
*2 years of experience in cashiering/stores/bookkeeping/account.
*Must be able to use Peachtree accounting application

Salary: N50,000 monthly.

Location: Ikeja, lagos.

How to:
Email your Resume/CV to dotunjegede@gmail.com

Urgent.

Vindication Over Abuse Of School Election

Source: Google

Last year, we advised private schools against the excesses of the process of electing school prefects. It was so abused that parents engaged in undue 'show of wealth' in the name of campaign for their children who were candidates seeking votes for elective posts. Parents spent recklessly on unimportant things like gift items for staff and students, so that own child would win. The exercise became so corrupting, distractive, tempting... to all that we frowned at it. We suggested that schools should either stop or regulate the conduct of campaign. A number of parents and schools were displeased- can't list them.

Recently, we received a report from a school that had its finger burnt due to the excesses which occasioned unhealthy rivalry and conspiracy. The school's image was not spared.

Now, moderation & regulation are the school's watchwords for parents. Staff also received stern warning not to ever let any parents repeat or make an abusive attempt.

Career Mistakes Teachers Make

Source:Google

Teachers are a people with so much potentials & opportuinities than they actually accord themselves. But in this new year, it could be better if you develop and apply good strategies but before applying strategies, it's helpful to identify the #CareerMistakesTeachersMake so each Teacher can develop own antidote.

First mistake is that most Teachers focus only on money. Money is good but is not everything. There are many things money cannot buy. An example is hapiness. if a teacher bases his hapiness only on money, then such would experience discouragement,/depression when he's diappointed due to small amount of money earned. so focus NOT only on money. begin to train yourself to perceive other non-monetary (actual & latent) blessings you've got around you.

Second mistake is career network. Remember your network is your networth. that you are in a physically enclosed school shouldn't make you to close your own 'door' to helpful people. so, make RESOURCEFUL friends physically & via social media. if you check your friend-list now, are they really resourceful?

The third #CareerMistakesTeachersMake is lack of knowledge. Acquiring professional knowledge is the least thing most teachers would ever do. i'm aware that poor salary is a key factor but what about the informal education opportunities available online? update your knowledge & consequently acquire more skills. thus you would attract promotion to yourself. Do you say "i've done all these but nothing yet as a reward. then, read the no.4 mistake.

The fourth #CareerMistake is Patience & Prayer. promotion lasts only when God is the foundation. And to get enduring miracle from God, you need patience. you also should add prayer to activate and fire up the expected promotion. God works in diverse ways.so, don't be rigid as to where & when your promotion comes.

See you at the top. it's well with you. ✈✈✈✈