Teacher Talk, February 2009

Quiz

Caning is banned. But e some teachers still can and use other physical punishments. Tell us this is happening (we why of ies stor r you your names). How do lish pub to e hav not do a pupil? How do you feel when you punish How else can you you think the pupil feels? d your true stories discipline your pupils? Sen to PO Box ent of discipline and punishm a 2009 diary. MOES 22633, Kampala and win punishment. es to corporal has published a book: Alternativ rwa, Acting Principal Education For a copy, call E Kusemere RXUQHDUHVW37& RWR\ 2IÀFHURUJ

Vol. 7 No. 1 Feb 2009

Live up to the highest standards of the teaching profession ave you ever been told that you are a good H teacher? How did you feel

6HPXMMX:LOOLDPKHDGWHDFKHURI Kasubi C/U PS, Kampala:

about it? You certainly felt great.

"A good teacher must have good customer care. My pupils and parents are my clients. Children tell parents about good and bad teachers. We must listen and give respect to children and parents. I look at teaching as a call to serve. Now I have been rewarded."

Think about what makes a good teacher, a teacher who is appreciated by pupils, parents, fellow teachers and community members. Swaibu Kawooya, headteacher Kyambogo PS says, "A good teacher is a person who conducts himself or herself professionally."

6HPXMMXZDVRQHRIWKH headteachers recognised for excellent performance at the Teacher's Day celebrations on 6 October, 2008 in Kampala.

Being professional means you: ‡DUHDOZD\VSUHSDUHG ‡KDYHNQRZOHGJHRI\RXUVXEMHFW ‡SHUIRUP\RXUZRUNHIIHFWLYHO\ ‡FRQGXFW\RXUVHOIZHOO ‡KDYHDSRVLWLYHDWWLWXGH ‡FDUHIRU\RXUSXSLOV ‡PDQDJH\RXUWLPHZHOO ‡IRFXVRQWKHSRVLWLYHVLGHRI teaching.

Yes, doing your best pays and PDNHV\RXIHHOJRRG,WSURPRWHV HIIHFWLYHOHDUQLQJDQGWHDFKLQJ Beware of alcohol abuse and other EHKDYLRXUVWKDWFDQXQGHUPLQH your professionalism.

"A child is the first inspector for every teacher."

These qualities will enable you to command respect as explained by

lts results PLE resu 2008 PLE a decline

The 2008 PLE results show in performance. Out of the 463,631 candidates who sat the PLE in 2008, only 17,021 (3.7%) passed in division one. In contrast, in 2007, 7.6% of pupils passed in division one. The failure rate also rose from 13.5% in 2007 to 20% in 2008. A total of 89, 306 pupils failed the exam. Matthew Bukenya, the UNEB secretary, says the poor performance is due to teacher and pupil absenteeism, late reporting to school and early departure. However, even schools in Kampala saw a drop in division one passes. They fell from 30% in 2007 to 13% in 2007. This suggests that pupils experienced the exam as harder across the entire country. In all, 33.4% of pupils passed in division two, 29.9% in division three and 13.8% in division four. Some districts had fewer than five pupils in division one; for example, Amuru had just one and Manafa four.

Be responsible

- monitor pupils' performance - MoES

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eing professional means PDNLQJVXUHWKDWSXSLOV apply what you teach WKHPWRWKHLUOLYHV
unprofessional. Alcohol leads to failure to perform. The teacher's code of conduct VSHDNVRIDOFRKRODVDGRQ W for teachers. ,I\RXVSHQGWLPHGULQNLQJ \RXZLOOIDLOWRPDUNERRNV JLYHKRPHZRUNVHWWHVWVDQG help the slow learners. Teachers now upgrade through long distance learning. :KHQGR\RXJHW time to upgrade or for your family if you spend most of \RXUWLPHGULQNLQJ" Dr Nkaada Daniel, Commissioner, Primary Education

Headteacher Gonsya Richard, headteacher, Kibuye Mapeera PS, Kampala, is our headteacher. He always picks star Youn Talk copies for his pupils from g the Post Office on time and send s messages to say he has picked them. Gonsya also helps pupils to write to Young Talk.

Well done!

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a co of 'What's copy (not ot) happening in our schools' o Teac achers, if you have not received your Youn ou g Talk copies, text xt S Straight Talk on 077-5-517458. 0 Write ite to Teacher Talk, PO O Box B 22366, K'la and dw win a 2009 diary.

2 Teacher Talk, February 2009

Teachers are role models

What makes a good teacher? W

hen you stand before the pupils, there is a message you pass on to them by the way you talk, behave and dress. Avoid untidy or inappropriate dressing that will draw their attention away from what you are teaching. You also need to avoid vulgar language.

‡.HHSWLPH‡&RPHWRVFKRROHDUO\DQGEHLQFODVVDWWKH ULJKWWLPH‡'RQRWOHDYHVFKRROLPPHGLDWHO\DIWHU\RXU OHVVRQ‡6WLFNDURXQGWRKHOSSXSLOVZLWKSUREOHPV Listen to and counsel pupils Being professional goes beyond teaching in class. Take time to counsel your pupils and get to know them. Do not take bribes Taking money from parents to pay attention to their children is wrong. Treat your pupils equally. Pay attention to each and every pupil in your class.

Dress decently Ladies, your dress or skirt needs to be below the knee. Your top or blouse needs to be: ‡1RWWUDQVSDUHQW ‡1RWVOHHYHOHVV ‡:HDUWLG\DQGFRPIRUWDEOHVKRHV that do not distract the attention of pupils ‡$OZD\VKDYHQHDWKDLU

A professional is neat, tidy, respectable, ÁH[LEOHDQG compassionate.

Avoid all "bad touches" The vast majority of teachers would never behave in a sexual manner with pupils. Unfortunately, a small minority actually do have sex with them. This is an extraordinary crime, legally and PRUDOO\1HYHUKDYHVH[ZLWK\RXUSXSLOV,I\RXNQRZRI any teacher sexually abusing a child, report him.

Be leaders, advisers and mentors

Make Teacher Talk your paper. Write to PO Box 22366, K'la. All letters will win 2009 Teacher Talk dairies. We have 1000 to give away!

S

tarting this term, lower primary has a new curriculum based on n themes. To de-congest th the curriculum, which th was too crowded, some w ssubjects have been pushed from P1 to P2, p ssome from P2 to P3, and ssome from P3 to P4.

Hang the Code of Conduct where teachers will see it everyday.

 Extracts from the Teacher's

Code of Conduct A teacher shall:

Project a good image in the community. Respect and implement school rules.

This new curriculum T will create more time for w pupils to grasp the core p ccompetencies of reading and writing. a For P4, a new curriculum F is being piloted based on subjects. Pupils will o do seven subjects down d from 10. These are fr English, science, math, E music, dance and drama; m SST, local language; and S physical education. p

“Headteachers, interact with teachers. Be organized and plan for the day, term and year. That's professionalism.” D Kisakye, Nabagereka PS, Kampala

 

win

New curriculum c

"A good teacher is smart, keeps time and is patient with the children." E Mpirirwe, Kasubi C/U PS

‡3UHSDUHVFKHPHVRIZRUNDQGOHVVRQQRWHV ‡1HYHUWUDQVDFWSULYDWHEXVLQHVVZKHQRQGXW\ ‡2EWDLQSHUPLVVLRQWREHDEVHQWIURPWKHKHDGWHDFKHU ‡1HYHUXVHDSXSLO VODERXUIRUSULYDWHRUSHUVRQDOJDLQ



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By Peter Ocaya, Rangira PS, Kitgum

"I do not quarrel in public or go to bars. What will people think when they see a teacher coming from a bar or a kibanda?" F Araat, St Peter's Nsambya PS

"Teachers should not be shabbily dressed. Untidy hair, beards, untucked shirts, slippers, open shoes, unpolished shoes, jeans and T-shirts have no place in the classroom. Such a teacher is not ready to teach." M Ager, Lalak PS, Kitgum

Headteachers, if a teacher is diverting from the Teacher's Code of Conduct, it is your duty to remind him or her to be professional. &DOODPHHWLQJZLWKDOO\RXUVWDIIWRUHYLHZWKH &RGHRI&RQGXFW ‡%HJLQQLQJRIWHUPLVLGHDOIRUVXFKPHHWLQJV ‡,GHQWLI\DQGKLJKOLJKWFRPPRQO\YLRODWHG DUHDVLQWKH&RGHRI&RQGXFW ‡3XWLQSODFH\RXURZQE\ODZVWRSURPRWH professionalism in your school.

"Being a teacher means being a role model to others in character and deeds. I use good language and associate with people of good morals." J Nabukalu, Kyanja Junior School, Kampala



Gentlemen ‡7XFNLQ\RXUVKLUWDQGQHYHU wear T-shirts in class (you can wear them when not on duty). ‡6KDYH\RXUKDLUDQGEHDUG ‡:HDUFORVHGVKRHVQRWVDQGDOV 

"A professional teacher respects him/ herself, is welcoming and is ready to help learners solve their problems." AN Kamanyire, Nabagereka PS, Kampala

Come to school early

3

Alcohol can ruin you A

lcoholism is a chronic disease. You may keep going back to drink, which means that it can be hard to escape from it. Sadly, there are teachers who suffer from this disorder. 3URIHVVLRQDOO\DWHDFKHUZKRLV LPSDLUHGE\DOFRKROFDQQRWPRWLYDWH SXSLOVRUFRPPDQGWKHLUOR\DOW\ 6RPHWHDFKHUVDUHGUXQNLQFODVVRU WLUHGIURPGULQNLQJWKHQLJKWEHIRUH 2YHUGULQNLQJLVQRWMXVWDSUREOHPRI LQGLYLGXDOVEXWDOVRRIFRPPXQLWLHV :KHUHPHQGULQNLQJURXSVWKH\FDQ SXWSUHVVXUHRQRWKHUVWRGULQNDORW RUJHWGUXQN 6RPHSHRSOHEHOLHYHWKDWDOFRKRO KHOSVWKHPWRFRSHZLWKSUREOHPV 8QIRUWXQDWHO\LWXVXDOO\PDNHV SUREOHPVZRUVHTeacher TalkDVNHG WHDFKHUVLQ7HVRDERXWWKHLPSDFWRI DOFRKRO Family stress )DPLOLHVRISHRSOHZKRGULQNWRR PXFKIDFHHPRWLRQDOSDLQ
Not funny: this is a family tragedy; the children are frightened.

EHFRPHDSHUPDQHQWVWUHVVWRWKHP &KLOGUHQDUHQHYHUSURXGRISDUHQWV ZKRGULQNMalinga C, Akoboi PS, Katakwi

WHDFKXQGHU $WHDFKHUVKDOOQRWFR KRORUGUXJV DO RI FH WKHLQIOXHQ LOHGUXQN ZK RO RUFRPHWRVFKR Cond uct of de Co r's Teache

Absenteeism ´,VHQWDWHDFKHUKRPHEHFDXVHKH ZDVVWDJJHULQJ7HDFKHUVVWD\DZD\ ZKHQWKH\KDYHKDQJRYHU7KH\ DUHWRRZHDNWR WHDFKµB Morulem, headteacher, Adere PS, Loss of income ´$FROOHDJXH ZLWKGUHZKLVVDODU\ IURPWKHEDQN +HSDVVHGE\DEDUDQGJRWGUXQN 7KHPRQH\ZDVVWROHQµ J Odeke, Magoro PS, Katakwi. Poor work ethic ´$OFRKROPDNHV\RXORVHVHQVHV
Alcohol abuse is not a joke: help teachers with problems

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Alcohol and HIV 7KH1DWLRQDO+,9$,'66WUDWHJLF 3ODQVD\VH[FHVVLYHDOFRKROLVD GULYHURI+,9([SODLQVWHDFKHU- 2FDERLRI2UXQJR36$PXULD´7KH RSSRVLWHVH[EHFRPHVEHDXWLIXO
Teacher Talk, Feb 2009

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you can suggest he gets help from: ‡6HUHQLW\&HQWUH .DZXNX ‡8JDQGD
Disciplinary action If a headteacher is drinking too much and counseling has failed to help, the School Management Committee and sub-county Education Officers should report it to the CAO, who will forward the matter to the District Service Commission (DSC) for disciplinary action.

If a teacher is drinking too much, the headteacher will make a report to the DEO, who will forward the matter to the CAO before it goes to the DSC. Disciplinary action can be suspension, salary cut or demotion.

Star schools

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4 Teacher Talk, Feb 2009

Educators of Excellency Awards for teachers Teachers are key to national development. At the World Teachers' Day celebrations on 6 Oct 2008, the Uganda Teachers Union (UNATU) recognized excellent teachers with Educators of Excellency (EoE) awards for the best headteachers and teachers.

EoE winner Semujju GW, Headteacher, Kasubi C/U PS in Kampala says: "I have meetings where I consult staff on all matters."

"The thematic curriculum helps pupils to master their language, both spoken and written." Nabukeera J, Tuzukuke PS, Wakiso "The riddles, songs, drama, games and proverbs in the local language keep the class lively. There is full participation in all activities. I take my class outside to learn from the environment." Sunday T, Nyamasiizi PS, Kabale

"Children understand better when taught in local language. It builds their confidence. I send pupils to get banana fibre, palm leaves for making mats over the weekend." Malemo C, Busitema PS, Busia. "Local language brings a close relationship between the teacher and pupils."Aliga A, Lomunga PS, Yumbe "We assess the children continuously. We divide them up into streams then into smaller groups which we observe and talk to." Aluka J, Ajuket PS, Busia.

Take pupils out to look for local learning materials around the school

PEP protects you from HIV

I

f some one is defiled or raped and exposed to HIVinfected semen, there is medicine that stops the virus from establishing itself in the body. This treatment is called Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). Dr Edith Nakku from the Mulago STD clinic says PEP is effective within two days from the time of rape or defilement. You need to act fast and get to the hospital within those two days.

Many teachers and headteachers countrywide won EoE awards, including headteachers Peter Akol, Kachede PS, Bukedea; Arige Cecilia Otianga, Toromo Girls PS, Katakwi; and Mariam Kaggwa, Luzira PS, Kampala. These awards will be given every year to compliment the Customised Performance Targets introduced by the MOES. Watch out and start doing what it takes to get one.

Legesi Stephen, the treasurer of UNATU, says that to win a teacher or headteacher must: ‡%HJRRGPDQDJHUV ‡0DNHVXUHWKHLUVFKRROLV represented in all events organised by the education office. ‡$OZD\VUHVSRQGWRUHTXHVWVIURP

Local language keeps classes lively and fun The thematic curriculum is a must in P1 - P3 since 2007. Pupils are taught using themes and local language. In the last Teacher Talk, we asked teachers about it. Thanks for your letters. We are sending you diaries!

the education office. ‡%HJRRGWHDPSOD\HUV

Letting off steam: teachers in Kampala dance during the celebrations at St Jude PS, Naguru.

Notice board UPE compulsory

I

n 2008, a new education act was passed. The Education (Preprimary, Primary and Post-primary) Act, 2008 makes primary education compulsory for all children of school going age. Local governments have been given the responsibility to enforce this law. They are expected to develop by-laws to deal with parents who do not take children WRVFKRRO7KHQHZODZUHTXLUHV parents to feed and dress their children.

Changes in SMC

T

he number of members of the School Management Committees (SMC) has gone up from 9 to 12. SMCs were made up of members from the foundation bodies, representatives of the Chief Education Officer and parents’ representatives. Now SMCs will have parent representatives, LCs, Old Boys and Girls, and representatives of the foundation body. The aim is to improve school management. SMCs will be approved by Local Governments and not the Director of Education.

What is PEP? PEP is a four week course of antiretroviral tablets (ARVs) taken to stop HIV from entering your body's cells, multiplying and "taking root". ARVs are the medicines that people who have HIV take to control the virus. When you go for PEP, the doctor will first test you for HIV. If you test HIVnegative, you will receive PEP. For females can also be given emergency family planning to stop pregnancy. Often rape survivors waste time by first going to LCs and police. Please go first for PEP then to the police. PEP is free and anybody who is raped or defiled, boys included, is entitled to free PEP at any government health unit near you that has ARVs.

Teachers, the community looks up to you: Tell your pupils and communities about PEP. Help those who are defiled to get PEP. PEP prevents HIV infection. It does not "cure" in people who already have the virus.

Semuto schools fight malaria

T

eachers in Semuto, Nakaseke have started sensitizing pupils, teachers and parents on the signs of malaria in children. They do this through Music, Dance and Drama. "Seven teachers from Millenium PS, Crane PS, Bright Future PS and Fort Jesus Secondary School started the Project after realizing that many parents and teachers did not know the signs of malaria," says project manager Tom Mugarura.

Your letters Teachers, treat pupils as your children not sexual partners. Defiling them leads to loss of jobs and HIV. Alukonzi D, Kololo PS, Arua Through Teacher Talk, we have got knowledge to handle adolescents in primary schools living positively with HIV. We can help children affected and infected with HIV. Headteachers have learnt to deal with teacher absenteeism. Tukwasibwe T, Nyamisiizi PS, Kabale Teachers, encourage communities to send girls to school. We need a positive attitude towards girls’ education. Odongo D, Laroo Boarding PS, Gulu

Quiz Pupils living with HIV are increasing in sch ls. How do you handleoo such children? Share r true experiences withyou Tea Talk. Write to PO Bo cher K'la and win a 2009x 22366 diary.

STRAIGHT TALK FOUNDATION

4 Acacia Avenue, Kololo, P. O. Box 22366, Tel: 03122622031 Kampala (U), Fax: 534858, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] ug, Web: www.straight-talk.or.ug Exec Director: C Watson, Director Print:T. Agutu, Editorial manager: E Kimuli Editors: G Awekofua, M. Akello, D. Agaba, J. Abongowath Designer: Gb. mukasa, M.eB Kalanzi ,A D Bulamu Printer: The New Vision, Illustrator: S Mulyanga, Funded by UNITY