There remains a significant difference in the salaries of experienced senior teachers compared to newly graduated teachers, according to Johnson Rura, president of the Fiji Head Teachers Association.
Addressing attendees at the 41st Fiji Head Teachers Association conference held in Nadi, Mr. Rura noted the unfortunate passing of 12 school heads since the previous conference. He suggested that the stressful working conditions may have contributed to these losses.
“The demands and workloads of educational leadership have changed drastically and continue to escalate, yet our education reforms have failed to adequately address critical issues,” Mr. Rura stated.
He emphasized the necessity of reviewing the job descriptions for school heads, advocating for the inclusion of their supervisory roles in early childhood education (ECE) and stand-alone ECE centers, alongside appropriate compensation.
Mr. Rura also urged that the salary scale for heads of schools not be reduced after the reclassification process is completed. Furthermore, he highlighted the need for rural allowances for teachers to be categorized correctly, irrespective of marital status, pointing out that currently, all eligible teachers receive the same payment.
In response, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro encouraged headteachers to address the concerns raised by Mr. Rura. “I hope the staff from headquarters are noting these points so we can find the best solutions for the issues highlighted,” he remarked.