Letters | Experienced teachers overlooked

I write this letter not only as an individual, but as one of many qualified teachers who feel unseen, unheard and unfairly treated within our education system. I am a fully qualified teacher with over 10 years of experience across various grades. Over the years, I have dedicated myself to shaping young minds, adapting to different learning needs and contributing to school communities in meaningful ways.

Yet, despite my qualifications and experience, I remain without a permanent government post. How is this possible? We are told constantly that the Department of Education does not have the budget to employ more teachers.

Yet, time and again, we see newly qualified teachers being appointed almost immediately. While they deserve opportunities, it raises serious concerns about fairness and transparency in the hiring process. What criteria are really being used?

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Why are experienced, capable teachers being overlooked? Many of us have turned to school governing body (SGB) posts to remain in the profession we love. However, the reality is deeply discouraging.

SGB teachers often carry the same workload as government-employed teachers, sometimes even more. Despite this, we earn significantly less. How can two teachers doing the same work be valued so differently?

Another concern is the apparent lack of advocacy from school leadership. Why are principals not motivating for deserving SGB teachers to be absorbed into permanent posts? Why are surplus teachers being accepted into schools while experienced, dedicated teachers already serving those schools are overlooked?

This situation is not just about employment, it is about dignity, fairness and the future of education in SA. I urge the department to address these concerns with urgency and transparency. We are not asking for favours, we are asking for fairness.

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