TSC Teachers Interdiction Process: Offenses and Consequences

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) outlines several reasons that may lead to the interdiction of a teacher.

These include desertion of duty, chronic absenteeism, criminal convictions, immoral behavior, neglect of duty, insubordination, infamous conduct, forgery or impersonation, financial mismanagement, and involvement in economic crimes. The following sections detail each cause.

Desertion of Duty

Desertion is defined by the TSC as an absence from work for 14 consecutive days, including weekends and holidays, without official written permission. This can happen due to various reasons such as failure to apply for sick leave, not reporting back after study leave, going on study leave without approval, or failing to report to a new posting after transfer.

Chronic Absenteeism

A teacher can also be interdicted for persistent absenteeism, where absence from duty occurs repeatedly without authorization. Evidence of this behavior is typically documented in casualty returns, monthly staff records, reports from local authorities, or attendance registers.

Criminal Conviction

Conviction of a criminal offense is another ground for interdiction. Offenses that can lead to interdiction include sexual offenses, crimes against learners, and other serious crimes like murder, robbery, and assault.

Immoral Behavior

TSC defines immoral behavior as engaging in sexual activities with a learner, regardless of consent. This includes acts such as sexual intercourse, sodomy, lesbianism, sexual harassment, flirtation, and inappropriate physical contact. Such behavior is prohibited in all educational institutions.

Neglect of Duty

Neglecting duties can lead to interdiction, and this may manifest in various ways:

• Failure to teach scheduled lessons
• Incomplete or missing professional documents like schemes of work
• Allowing examination malpractice
• Assigning false grades
• Refusing to supervise co-curricular activities or attend official functions

Insubordination

Insubordination occurs when a teacher disobeys official instructions or refuses to respond to official communication, such as show-cause letters. Failing to take up a post after disciplinary action or ignoring recruitment guidelines can also be categorized under insubordination.

Infamous Conduct

Infamous conduct includes any unprofessional behavior that violates public expectations of a teacher. This may involve abusive language, public altercations, drunkenness, inappropriate dress, drug trafficking, or dealing in pornography. Violations of Chapter 6 of the Constitution are also considered as grounds for interdiction.

Forgery, Impersonation, and Collusion

Forgery, impersonation, and involvement in fraudulent activities are serious offenses. Examples include falsifying certificates, submitting fraudulent documents, and forging signatures. Teachers involved in such activities face immediate interdiction.

Financial Mismanagement and Embezzlement

Teachers who mismanage institutional funds, use funds for personal gain, or fail to account for public money are at risk of interdiction. This includes neglecting procurement procedures, falsifying financial information, and having poor resource management.

Economic Crimes and Serious Offenses

Under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (2003), teachers involved in fraudulent payments, violating procurement laws, or engaging in financial mismanagement face serious consequences. This includes any unlawful use of public funds or resources.

The Disciplinary Process

When a teacher is accused of misconduct, the disciplinary process begins within the teacher’s institution. Allegations are reported to the TSC, the TSC County Director, or the Board of Management.

Investigation and Interdiction

Upon receiving the allegations, the relevant authority will investigate the case and collect evidence to determine if the teacher has a case to answer. The teacher and any witnesses are interviewed, except in cases of desertion. If the investigation confirms the allegations, the teacher receives an interdiction letter specifying the charges.

Interdiction Procedure

Once interdicted, the teacher is required to vacate the institution within 48 hours. During interdiction, the teacher is entitled to half salary unless the offense involves chronic absenteeism, desertion, imprisonment, misappropriation of funds, fraud, or immoral behavior, among other serious offenses.

The TSC will be notified, and all relevant documentation will be forwarded to the Secretary of TSC or the County Director.

Summary of Offenses Leading to Salary Reduction During Interdiction

Related reading:

• TSC Sick Leave: A Complete Guide to the Application Process
• TSC Outlines Key Professional Documents Teachers Must Maintain
• TSC Citizen’s Service Delivery Charter: Services Rendered, Obligations, Costs, and Timelines