Have you ever diligently followed all the rules, only to see others benefit from bending them? This is a personal narrative about encountering unfair promotion practices within a DepEd school, revealing the complexities and frustrations that can arise in the system.
Ignoring Deadlines: At our school, strict deadlines are set for submitting promotion documents. I always adhered to these deadlines, only to discover that the principal allowed late submissions from some teachers, which skewed the fairness of the entire process.
Overlooking Qualifications: Despite having all the necessary qualifications and receiving positive feedback, every promotion cycle introduced new, unforeseen requirements that seemed specifically designed to hinder my progress.
Delaying the Process: Promotions always seemed just within reach until unexpected delays occurred. It became apparent that during these delays, additional documents and benchmarks were imposed on selected competitors, making it easier for them to surpass me and win the promotion.
Avoiding Interaction: The principal’s interaction with me changed noticeably. What used to be open, constructive dialogues turned into avoidance, especially when discussions about promotions arose.
Favoritism: It was painfully clear that favoritism influenced promotion decisions. Certain teachers, who were the principal’s favorites, consistently received praise and advanced more quickly, regardless of everyone’s hard work and dedication.
While the Department of Education strives to ensure fairness in promotions, the real challenges often manifest at the school level, within the field operations of the agency. This inconsistency can demoralize dedicated educators who believe in merit and equality.
Despite my deep appreciation for working at DepEd, these experiences have prompted me to consider that my dedication and skills might find a better fit elsewhere, potentially in a different country. It’s a tough realization but one that points to a broader issue of how local practices can deviate from national policy intentions.
Moving forward, my plan is to continue performing at my best, keeping meticulous records of all my achievements, and advocating for transparent and fair promotion practices. Finding a work environment that genuinely values fairness and recognizes hard work is crucial, not just for personal advancement but for the overall integrity of the educational system. Sometimes, looking beyond our current setting can lead to opportunities where our efforts are truly acknowledged and rewarded.
Have you experienced anything similar regarding unfair promotion practices? Share your stories in the comment section below; let’s discuss and support each other in advocating for fairness and transparency in our schools. – Mark | Helpline PH
