The Principal of Tubman High School, James Naplakposo Fallah, has raised serious concern over what he describes as “embarrassingly low” salaries for educators across Liberia, especially those holding advanced degrees.
In a public statement, Fallah disclosed that many principals with Master’s degrees earn less than US$400 monthly, while teachers with Bachelor’s degrees receive under US$300 net salary. He described the situation as demoralizing for professionals who carry the responsibility of shaping the country’s future.
“What is even more painful is that principals with Master’s Degrees also earn below 400 USD net monthly,” he said, adding that school leadership positions are not financially valued despite heavy administrative duties.
Fallah also criticized banking charges that, according to him, further reduce already limited salaries when educators fail to withdraw funds immediately after payment alerts.
The educator recalled that under former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, school administrators received operational support allowances, including payments for principals, vice principals, and registrars, which he said helped improve school management. He noted that these benefits were removed following the introduction of the harmonization policy under the George Weah administration.
He further called on the current government of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to prioritize the welfare of teachers, arguing that educators were central to campaign promises made ahead of the 2023 elections.
Fallah emphasized that the issue of teachers’ welfare should not be politicized but urgently addressed, warning that the declining conditions of educators could affect national education outcomes.
“Education is not politics,” he stressed, calling for immediate salary and welfare reforms for teachers across Liberia.
