The Ministry of Fundamental and Higher-level Education (MFHE) in collaboration with the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) is set to present a roster of 680 educators, with 203 serving as School Heads in various public institutions, for retirement in 2023.
Mr. Sorie I. Turay, the Secretary of TSC, indicated that the retirements will come into effect on August 31, 2023. It is envisaged that these educators will receive their retirement benefits, including gratuities and final salaries, on the same date. This measure is in line with an annual retirement tradition endorsed by the Cabinet, stipulating that teachers retire on August 31st each year to minimize disruptions during the academic calendar.
Mr. Turay explained that retirement notifications were dispatched to the respective schools earlier in the year. Teachers are required to complete retirement paperwork and submit these documents to the appropriate TSC offices within their districts. Subsequently, the forms will be forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for processing. Should they require additional copies of the retirement letters, they can obtain them from TSC offices.
He also clarified that these retirements adhere to the mandated retirement age of 60 within the teaching sector. However, a provision exists for teachers instructing Science, Technology, Agriculture, Engineering, and Mathematics (STAEM) subjects, allowing them to extend their retirement age to 65 if they so desire.
Mr. Turay acknowledged that TSC encountered challenges with certain teachers reluctant to retire at the age of 60, and some falsely claiming to be STEAM educators. He confirmed that this issue has been successfully addressed.
The government is currently in the process of integrating 2,800 teachers into the government payroll. Teachers constitute 40% of the overall government payroll, and since 2018, 5,424 educators have been correctly placed in their respective pay grades. Over 300 school administrators have also undergone regularization.
In the lead-up to the end of April 2020, concerns arose regarding the government's ability to honor its commitments due to the ongoing global pandemic. Despite budgetary constraints faced by numerous nations, including Sierra Leone, the government remained committed and fulfilled its promise by implementing a 30% raise for approximately 34,350 teachers across the nation. This increment translated to a Le 13.45 billion increase in teacher payroll, raising it from Le 42.95 billion in March 2020 to Le 56.40 billion in April 2020.
Subsequently, a recent 45% salary augmentation for teachers has been introduced, to be phased in over three years.
Between August 2020 and November 2021, over 500 principals and vice principals were appointed, filling previously vacant or temporary roles.
The Presidential National Best Teacher Awards have recognized and celebrated the dedication of 112 educators over the course of two years. These individuals were acknowledged by the President of Sierra Leone for their exceptional contributions to teaching. Notably, two national awardees were nominated for the African Union Best Teacher Prize, while numerous teachers have benefited from advanced training opportunities.
The third iteration of this annual event is scheduled to take place on October 5th, 2023.