7 Teaching Service Commission members sworn in with mandate to fill 2700 vacancies

With a focus on shaping careers, influencing professional standards and encouraging the delivery of quality education in schools, the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) was reconstituted on Wednesday with a mandate to fill some 2700 new positions created by the Government.

Doodmattie Singh, Shafiran Bhajan, Joan Davis-Monkhouse, Lancelot Baptiste, Satti Jaisieriisingh, Mayda Persaud, and Saddam Hussain were sworn in as members of the new TSC for the next three years. Singh, a veteran Guyanese educator, was appointed as Chair of the seven-member Commission.
They took their oath of office before President Dr Irfaan Ali, who underscored his Government’s commitment to not just ensure improvements in the welfare, working environment and conditions of service for teachers, but also in giving them access to accelerated opportunities.
To this end, the Head of State charged the Commission to prioritise filling some 2700 vacancies, including several new senior positions that were created to foster a more qualitative delivery of holistic education and facilitate a faster upward mobility for teachers. This way, he explained, teachers no longer have to wait until the end, towards the end of their careers, to become headteachers.
According to President Ali, “The Minister of Education has advised me that a second deputy headteacher [position] in grades A and B secondary schools… was created, and 60 newly created positions are in this category. A deputy headteacher in grade C primary and secondary schools created the opportunity for 101 newly created positions for upward mobility.”
“Additional senior master and mistress in all schools to improve accountability created opportunities for another 408 new positions for upward mobility. Senior master, mistress in grade E schools created, again, the opportunity for 254 new positions for upward mobility.”

823 senior positions created
The Head of State pointed out that these 823 senior positions created within the Teaching Service structure will facilitate the advancement of teachers’ careers.
“These positions did not exist previously. This means more teachers will be promoted, and more teachers will be given the opportunity to be promoted. Promotion means higher salary, additional benefits, and of course, retiring at a higher level of pension,” he stated.
Article 209 (1) of the Constitution vests the Teaching Service Commission with “…the power to appoint persons as teachers in the Public Service and to remove and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices.”
On this note, the Guyanese leader emphasised the importance of this independent constitutional body being free from direct political influence in order to safeguard professionalism and build confidence among teachers.
“So, this constitutional mandate is both broad and profound. It places in the hands of the members of the Commission decisions that shape careers… influence professional standards and directly affect the quality of education delivered in our schools. Crucially, in the exercise of its function, the Teaching Service Commission is not subject to political directives or control,” the President posited.
He went on to add that merit-based appointments and promotions lie at the heart of a credible and effective teaching service. Such an independent Commission, the Guyanese leader emphasised, encourages teachers to view teaching not merely as a job, but as a viable and rewarding career.
“It reassures them that their efforts, qualifications and dedication will be recognised and that they will not be unfairly disadvantaged or arbitrarily treated. Where teachers are confident that advancement depends on qualifications, performance and dedication, rather than connections or influence, professionalism flourishes. Conversely, when merit is compromised, morals decline and the quality of education suffer.
“The Teaching Service Commission plays a decisive role in preventing such outcomes by acting as guardians of fairness and objectivity. Equally important is the Commission’s responsibility for disciplinary control and dismissals. Discipline, when exercised without due process or fairness, can become a tool of injustice. When exercised properly, it reinforces professional standards and public confidence. The Commission is, therefore, entrusted with ensuring that any disciplinary action is grounded in clear procedures, consistency and respect for natural justice,” the Head of State noted.
Profound transformation
To this end, President Ali reminded the newly sworn-in TSC members that they are assuming office at a time of profound transformation in Guyana’s education system.
As the country moves decisively towards universal secondary education, he noted that rapid progress is simultaneously being made to ensure that all teachers are properly trained and professionally equipped. Moreover, education is being modernised through the introduction of smart classrooms, while plans are also being rolled out for the increased use of digital technologies in teaching and learning, and schools are being equipped with better labs.
“The work of the Commission will play a pivotal role in supporting and sustaining the transformation of education. Your decisions will help shape a teaching workforce that is capable, motivated, disciplined, committed and confident, ensuring that the modernisation of education in Guyana is matched by a corresponding growth in professionalism and dedication among those entrusted to implement it. I therefore encourage you to undertake your duties with seriousness [and] be guided at all times by the principles of fairness and merit. In doing so, you will honour the intent behind the establishment of the Teaching Service Commission and make a lasting contribution to the development of education and society in Guyana,” the President noted.