KUCHING: Substitute teachers serving under the Malaysia Short-Term Employment Programme (MySTEP) should be given contract teaching positions.
Their teaching experience would be a valuable asset, said Ahmad Faizal Osman, popularly known as Cikgu Emmet.
He noted that they would have also applied for teaching licences from the State Education Department (JPN) before being allowed to serve as substitute teachers (MySTEP).
“MySTEP teachers have already faced various challenges in teaching, making them more mentally and physically prepared to serve effectively,” he said.
He made this statement in response to a query from a MySTEP teacher on his official Facebook page, Cikgu Emmet Menulis, today.
The teacher sought insights on why many of them did not succeed in the interview for contract teaching positions.
He believes that MySTEP teachers are qualified to serve in the education sector.
“They have gained teaching experience in schools, understand the educational environment, and interact with students.
“Even though many did not advance to the interview stage in the contract teacher recruitment process, this may not be due to their qualifications but rather factors like limited vacancies or stringent evaluation criteria.
“To become a teacher, many aspects are assessed to ensure that prospective educators are truly of high quality.
“Nonetheless, I agree that experienced MySTEP teachers should be given the opportunity to be absorbed into contract teaching positions,” he said.
Cikgu Emmet suggested that the Ministry of Education consider creating a “Special Contract Teacher Programme” that prioritises MySTEP teachers.
“This programme could serve as a platform to evaluate their performance and align them with the contract recruitment criteria.
“This would also provide fairness to those who have contributed to education but remain in career uncertainty.
“Additionally, it could offer clearer direction for MySTEP teachers who aspire to become educators,” he added.
