My Promotion


I was appointed as a DG41 teacher last Wednesday. It was my second promotion this year. I had my first in January, from DG29 to DG32.

I had been a DG29 teacher for thirteen years. DG29 is the job title for any diploma-level teachers in Malaysia. Believe me, it was both difficult and humiliating for a DG29 teacher to work in a school predominantly occupied by DG41 and DG44 teachers. Many colleagues looked down on me as a shallow-minded non-graduate who was no better than students. They had little faith in my credibility as an English teacher. Hence, I always got patronized as far as English was concerned.They constantly expressed their doubt over the validity of my marking and never gave me a chance to handle big projects like debate, speech and writing competitions.I was assigned to teach the worst classes. If they saw me reading a classic novel,they would ask if I was reading an abridged version in a most condescending manner. One of them even had the cheek to tell me that it was not easy for a person with a limited English proficiency as I was to capture the depth and complexity of literature. I only got a C4 for my English in SPM and they thought I was sealed in that level for the rest of my life.

I did a long distance degree course in TESL with Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2002 and graduated in 2007.I was almost terminated from the course in Semester Five because I scored a string of F in three semesters. I was able to salvage my GPA with good results in the final two years.The day I received my square hat, I rejoiced with my family. Little that I knew that the path to my future promotion would be full of trials.

I did not get my aspired promotion the following year. It was because I did not have the study permit issued by Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Pendidikan.I applied for a backdated copy but received no reply. For the whole of 2008, I was in the grip of depression.I always wallowed in self-pity and self-blame.

In 2009, I reapplied for the study permit. With God's providence, I received the backdated copy in July. It saved me from sinking further into the mire of depression. I attended the interview for my promotion to DG41 in March 2010 and was informed of my passing the test in October 2010. I would be officially promoted to DG41 if I received a letter on the confirmation of my appointment.

In January this year, my Principal announced that I was promoted to DG32 during the first staff meeting. I got a considerable amount of three-year-arrears which recouped all the money I had spent in moving into my new house. The promotion increased my morale in dealing with my job. I finally received the long-awaited letter last week.It had taken almost three weeks to reach my school.I would be receiving my three-year arrears next month.

Despite my promotion, most of my colleagues still behave the same way towards me. It's impossible to change their mindset. I don't care a straw about how they think of me. My priority is my students. If my service is not needed in my present school, I can ask for a transfer. I may fare better in a different school. My new colleagues may not pigeonhole me as a second-class teacher. However, humans are the same anywhere, aren't they?

I will go on improving my English. I have a lot of reading to catch up on. I want my language ability to measure up to my promotion.

Comments

SFGEMS said…
Congratulations! I am happy for you and I think you are well on your way to success.
August 6, 2011 at 4:01 AM
rugs said…
hey congratulations! glad you persevered.
August 9, 2011 at 7:32 AM
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