A teacher at a school in Atyrau has complained that she was forced to do repairs in her classroom and perform cleaning duties during her vacation. The education department has launched an investigation into the matter, reports infohub.kz.
The teacher said on social media that she was made to repair the classroom and, after the work was completed, continued to receive additional assignments. "We were forced to do repairs in the classroom. I didn't want any conflicts, so I did everything," she wrote.
According to her, she washed the floors, dusted, and whitewashed the walls herself. The work took about a week and, as she claims, was physically exhausting. However, after that, she was given more tasks, one of which was cleaning light fixtures during her vacation.
"To do that, I had to climb a stepladder and handle electrical appliances. I politely refused," she said. After her refusal, the head teacher asked, "Do you wash chandeliers at home?" The teacher stated that she does not consider such tasks part of her job duties.
"I want to work as a teacher," she emphasized. She also spoke about her professional activities and her students' achievements, noting that she prepares children for competitions and exhibitions. "I really invest in each of them," she wrote.
The education department of Atyrau region responded to the publication and announced an investigation. "Social media is spreading information about teachers being involved in work to prepare educational institutions for the new school year. In this regard, the Education Department of Atyrau region reports that an official inquiry into these facts is being conducted," the department's statement said.
The department added that compliance with teachers' labor rights is ensured in accordance with the labor legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the Status of a Teacher." "If the investigation reveals facts of illegal involvement of teachers in work not related to their professional duties, appropriate measures will be taken against those responsible in accordance with current legislation," the department stated.