Denver Kisting
1 July 2011
THE current appraisal system for teachers does not lead to empowerment and is undemocratic.
Moreover, poor leadership causes negative teacher development.
This was the opinion of Namibia National Teachers’ Union (Nantu) Basilius Haingura at the national education conference this week.
In fact, Haingura, charged “there is no formal teacher development occurring in the country”. He added: “There is no appropriate induction and placement of teachers.”
On his part, Dickson Norval wanted to know whether school principals have sufficient skills “to develop and cast a vision for their schools”.
Speaking on behalf of the African Leadership Institute, Norval said leadership – “the ability to influence” – “can only prosper in a functioning system”.
Mary Phillis Yesudasan, principal of St Boniface College close to Rundu, said a principal should be a role model who is dedicated and committed and has passion. She claimed that there is “nothing wrong with our system” provided headmasters pull their weight.
“You need to sit with your staff and make sure they know the way forward, that 40 minutes of solid teaching takes place [per lesson], that learners are tested regularly and that those who don’t perform are helped outside the classroom.”
St Boniface College is renowned for its good results in grade 10 and 12.
Good work ethics, punctuality, accountability, high moral values and self-respect further ensure good leadership, Yesudasan said.
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