At present, there is a great deal of confusion and chaos in the system arising out of what TTUTA believes to be inconsistent and flawed interpretations by the MOE and the Teaching Service Commission (TSC).

Recently, the TSC has interpreted the Regulations to mean that the senior eligible person would be required to act, whether it was a prelude or not as a prelude to a permanent appointment. Further, the TSC has pointed to the requirements in the new Job Descriptions and is dictating that the senior eligible person put to act must satisfy these requirements.

TTUTA believes that, in accordance with the Regulations, where an acting appointment is NOT as a prelude to a permanent appointment, the most senior (longest serving) person in the school in the post immediately below must normally be put to act. This is what the most senior eligible person in that context means.

Only where the acting appointment is as a prelude to a permanent appointment must the requirements (qualifications and experience) of the promotional post be a pre-requisite for such eligiblity and appointment.

The TSC's position ignores the fact that a clear distinction is made in the Regulations between acting as, and acting NOT as a prelude to a permanent appointment.

Consistent with this flawed interpretation of the TSC, officials of the MOE are proceeding, at times in the most inhumane and brutal fashion, to reverse acting appointments in the schools and subvert the established seniority systems. Such actions are leading to instability in the administrative structures and creating injustice and avenues for demoralisation of teachers.

The MOE and the TSC must observe the law and must act in accordance with the Regulations, unless and until these are amended, if thought necessary.

April 2004