Teachers urge principals to back them

SCHOOL principals need to stand next to teachers in opposing the recruitment ban which has left posts of responsibility unfilled in schools, according to delegates at the ASTI annual conference.

A motion seeking the reinstatement of all posts of responsibility in schools and the lifting of the moratorium was passed unanimously by delegates yesterday, some of whom said “pastoral care” at school was being lost.

The posts of responsibility cover special duties, including the arranging of exams, the setting of timetables and looking after the welfare of students. There were indications yesterday that the newly-appointed Minister for Education, Mary Coughlan, may ease the moratorium which would allow certain posts to be filled, but delegates yesterday warned that a complete reversal of current government policy was required.

ASTI members are already engaged in an effective work-to-rule in opposition to pay cuts and the introduction of the pension levy, and have been directed as of last month not to carry out duties linked to vacant posts which have gone unfilled due to a moratorium on hiring teachers for posts of responsibility, such as vice principals.

One executive delegate, John O’Donovan from Carlow branch, said there was anecdotal evidence of principals not adhering strictly to the terms of the directive, stating: “No principal should personally take on duties of any post that has been suppressed.”

Greta Harrison from west Mayo said she feared a situation where the posts of responsibility would be split into those deemed vital, such as the setting of exams, and the others, such as pastoral care.

Mick Evans from Cork South, said the obliteration of mid-management in schools was a “reckless, dangerous and irresponsible strategy which is putting our young people at risk in our schools”. He said he knew of one school where six people with posts of responsibility had left, and he queried how that school could continue.

Noel Binchy, from Tipperary, said the pastoral element of schooling could be lost and “no plaster is big enough to cover the situation this autumn with the retirements on the way”.